Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken 1872 - 1930

This is Willem de Zwart's "Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken," and it’s more than just a postcard; it's a little peek into a world of correspondence, right? I can just imagine de Zwart at his desk, pen in hand, carefully composing his thoughts for Philip Zilcken. The ink, now faded and feathered, once flowed with purpose, each stroke deliberate yet imbued with a sense of spontaneity. The stains creeping across the paper, like watercolor washes, tell a story of time and travel, of chance encounters and perhaps a few spilled cups of coffee. The handwriting itself is a gesture, a dance of the hand across the page. It makes me think of other artists who used letters as part of their process, like Vincent van Gogh. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just about the finished product, but the messy, imperfect, and deeply human process of making. And that is a conversation that continues through time, inspiring each of us to pick up a pen, a brush, or whatever tool speaks to us and to join in.