Brief aan Philip Zilcken before 1898

This letter was written by Jan Toorop to Philip Zilcken, though its exact date remains unknown. Toorop, a Dutch-Indonesian painter, navigated the complexities of cultural identity in his art. In this letter, penned in Dutch, Toorop discusses his work and personal matters. The intimate nature of the letter offers a glimpse into Toorop's world, revealing the network of relationships that sustained him. His identity as a Eurasian man undoubtedly shaped his artistic vision and the way he engaged with the world. He moved between different cultural contexts and artistic styles, and explored themes of spirituality, symbolism, and social justice in his art. The letter's script, with its elegant yet informal tone, reflects the social conventions of the time, while also hinting at the warmth between the two correspondents. As we reflect on Toorop's words, let us consider the ways in which our identities shape our interactions and creative expressions.