Brief aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1911 - 1925

Edmond Sagot penned this letter to Philip Zilcken in Paris on August 25, 1911. Sagot, a dealer of drawings, lithographs, and posters, here addresses Zilcken as "Monsieur, peintre graveur," a mark of respect acknowledging Zilcken's status as both painter and printmaker. This correspondence offers a glimpse into the artistic networks of the Belle Époque, a period defined by cultural exchange and innovation, but also rigid social hierarchies. Sagot's refined language and formal tone reflect the conventions of a society where class distinctions influenced even artistic interactions. He writes, "Je reqois le catalogue de l'Exposition de Dupont, et vous remercie infiniment de votre amabilité." This polite request for a catalog speaks volumes about the rituals of artistic exchange and the importance of maintaining decorum within these circles. The letter provides a tactile connection to a bygone era. It reminds us that art doesn't exist in a vacuum, it is enmeshed in the social and personal relationships that shape its creation and reception.