Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1894 - 1897

This letter was composed in La Haye on the 29th of May in 1899 by Clément Rochel, and it showcases the Hôtel des Indes at the top. This emblem of the hotel, prominently displayed, functions not merely as a letterhead but as a symbol of hospitality and a beacon of cultural exchange. The hotel itself, depicted in a detailed vignette, becomes a stage, reminiscent of ancient Roman inns adorned with signage indicating welcome. The script and the architectural rendering echo classical motifs, albeit adapted to modern sensibilities. The stylized lettering recalls the flourishes of Renaissance manuscripts, symbols of enlightened communication. Just as the serpent in ancient lore could represent healing or chaos, here, the image of the hotel can mean welcome or sophistication. Consider how such iconography permeates our subconscious—each element, from the grand façade to the elegant script, evokes a sense of belonging and continuity. The hotel, like a modern temple, offers sanctuary and invites us to partake in the ongoing drama of human interaction.