Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1888

This is a briefkaart, or postcard, sent to Philip Zilcken by Isaac Israels, likely around May 1st, 1888, as indicated by the postmark. At first glance, it seems like a simple piece of correspondence, but it offers a glimpse into the social and artistic networks of the time. Israels was a prominent figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, while Zilcken was a well-known artist and critic. The postcard format itself speaks to the increasing accessibility of communication and the rise of a more connected art world. Made and posted in the Netherlands, it reflects the country's burgeoning art scene and the importance of personal connections within it. These objects, easily overlooked, are invaluable primary sources. By studying such items, along with letters, exhibition catalogs, and period publications, we can better understand the complex social conditions that shaped artistic production in the late 19th century.