Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken before 1899

This briefkaart, or postcard, was sent to Philip Zilcken by Jan Toorop, a Dutch-Indonesian artist. The card, now held at the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the social networks of the fin-de-siècle art world. Toorop, born in Java, was the son of a Dutch official and an Indonesian mother, and his art often explores themes of cultural identity and belonging. This postcard, seemingly a simple correspondence, speaks to the complexities of colonialism and cross-cultural exchange. Sent to Zilcken at Villa Hélène in Bezuidenhout, The Hague, the card hints at a personal connection, perhaps a discussion about art, identity, or the experience of living between cultures. In its simplicity, this card reflects the intimacy and emotional resonance of personal communication, bridging geographical and cultural divides. It reminds us that behind every historical figure, there are personal stories interwoven with broader social and political narratives.