Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1909

This briefkaart, or postcard, was sent by N.J. Singels from Utrecht. You can imagine him carefully writing out the addresses and the message, and sticking a 2 1/2 cent stamp. Looking at the writing on the postcard, you can see the hand of the artist in the formation of the letters, sometimes elegant, sometimes hurried. The lines of text create a rhythm across the surface, punctuated by the bold stamp marks. The artist carefully fills out the sender's information, maybe with a practiced hand, as the composition and elements of the card come together. I think there’s a real sense of play and freedom in how he has approached the task. I can see the history of mark-making stretching back centuries in this small act of communication, reminding me that painting, writing, and all art forms are part of one big conversation through time.