Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken before 1896

This briefkaart, or postcard, was written by Johannes de Koo to Philip Zilcken. Sent in the late 19th century, it gives us a glimpse into the cultural and social mores of the Dutch elite. In a time marked by strict social codes and emerging modernities, this postcard transcends its apparent simplicity. The careful handwriting speaks of a cultivated identity, a sense of belonging to a privileged class. As we examine the salutation "of lieve Ph. Zilche," we sense a warm familiarity, perhaps an intimate friendship or familial tie, navigating the formal expectations of the era. The postcard becomes a small stage, where the personal and the political intertwine. The very act of sending a postcard speaks to the changing landscape of communication, a reflection of increased literacy, and the growth of postal systems. This piece then becomes a poignant reminder of human connection in a time of evolving social structures.