Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken before 1898

This is a postcard addressed to Philip Zilcken, made in the Netherlands by Cornelis Koppenol. While seemingly simple, this object speaks volumes about the social and cultural landscape of the late 19th century. The very existence of postcards highlights the rise of mass communication and increased literacy. The stamp and postal markings indicate a functioning postal service, a key institution in a modernizing nation-state. The coat of arms suggests the Dutch monarchy and the country’s symbolic identity, while the handwritten address reminds us of the personal touch that still existed alongside these developments. Zilcken is identified as a ‘kunstschilder’ or artist. Considering this, we might examine archival records, exhibition catalogs, and period publications to understand his position within the art world of the time. What were the dominant artistic styles? How did artists make a living? This postcard is a small window into a much larger social and institutional history.