Brief aan Philip Zilcken before 1889

This is a letter written by Isaac Israels to Philip Zilcken, likely dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. It’s made with ink on paper – humble materials that belie its potential as a window into the social world of the Parisian art scene. The fluid lines of Israels' handwriting speak to the speed and intimacy of the communication. We can almost imagine him dashing off this note amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Paper, once a precious commodity, had by this time become a widely available substrate for modern life. The letter hints at Israels' activities: attending salons, judging art competitions, and frequenting cabarets and boulevards. The ease with which Israels navigates this world speaks to his social standing and the networks of patronage that sustained artistic careers at the time. Labor is evident not only in the physical act of writing, but also in the social work required to maintain connections. This letter becomes a valuable artifact, connecting art, social life, and the means of their mutual production.