Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1888

This is a briefkaart, or postcard, sent to Philip Zilcken by G.J.D. Offermans. Mailed in 1888 from The Hague, Netherlands, it’s a personal artifact that speaks volumes about the cultural moment it was created in. Consider the role of correspondence during this time. Before telephones were commonplace, letters and postcards were vital for maintaining social networks and sharing information. The handwritten script connects us to the sender’s personal touch. This postcard offers an intimate glimpse into the life of the sender and recipient, and their relationship. Reflect on the significance of receiving a handwritten note. The tactile nature of the postcard, the ink on paper, makes this piece a relic of a bygone era. It serves as a reminder of human connection and longing. How different is this physical form of communication from our interactions today?