Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken before 1918

This ‘Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken’ by F.M. Melchers, is a painted postal message, a spontaneous record of communication. The ink appears almost dry, like he barely dipped the pen. You can imagine him, quickly writing, sending off his message. The stamp and the postmark give it such a particular time, and sense of location, a little piece of history right there. Look at the way the ink sits on the card, it’s not absorbed, it's right there on the surface. You can almost feel the speed and urgency of the handwriting, those looping ascenders and descenders. Melchers' card reminds me a little of Cy Twombly's scrawled paintings. Both artists share a love of gesture, of letting the hand lead the way. I love the idea that art can be found in the everyday, in the simple act of sending a postcard. This piece is a little reminder to embrace the messy, imperfect beauty of life.