One of the most intriguing aspects of deltiology—the study and collection of postcards—is the way it allows high art to travel into the most mundane spaces of everyday life. Today, I am looking at a beautiful "Art Postcard" from my collection that features a reproduction of "A Hilly River Landscape" by the Dutch Golden Age painter Aelbert Cuyp. While my previous posts have often focused on historical photography, this piece represents a different tradition: the museum souvenir that bridges the gap between the National Gallery and a kitchen table in North West London.
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| A Hilly River Landscape, Aelbert Cuyp |
The Visual: Cuyp’s Golden Glow
The front of the card features a vibrant reproduction of Cuyp’s masterpiece (originally painted between 1620 and 1691). Aelbert Cuyp was renowned for his ability to capture the "golden hour," and this landscape is no exception.
In the scene, a rider in a striking red coat sits atop a dappled grey horse, surveying a peaceful pastoral scene. Below him, a group of cattle and sheep rest in the lush grass, while a woman in a blue dress stands nearby, accompanied by two attentive hounds. In the middle distance, the hazy silhouette of a tower or ruin sits against a sun-drenched hillside, while a river winds its way toward the horizon.
This image isn't just a landscape; it is an idealized vision of harmony between man, beast, and nature. By the time this postcard was produced by Fine Art Engravers, Ltd. for the Trustees of the National Gallery, Cuyp's work had become a staple of British aesthetic appreciation.
The Message: Supper Parties and Cornwall Adventures
While the front offers timeless Dutch beauty, the reverse provides a lively, modern dispatch written in flowing teal ink. Sent to a Robina at 23 Chalcot Cres., London NW1, the message is a delightful thank-you note from a woman named Lisa.
Lisa writes:
"Thank you for the most lovely supper party the other night—I much enjoyed meeting everyone—for various different reasons!"
This small detail—the "various different reasons"—adds a wonderful touch of mystery and social intrigue to the card. It suggests a night of stimulating conversation and perhaps a few eccentric characters. Lisa goes on to mention her attempts to coordinate with a mutual friend:
"I had hoped to be able to write & say I'd fixed up a day with Alison Norman, but I haven't been successful in finding her yet."
Finally, Lisa mentions her recent travels:
"I have been away to Cornwall & had a windy & rather energetic holiday. I do hope you are now fully recovered."
This transition from the idealized hills of a Dutch painting to the "windy & energetic" reality of a Cornish holiday is exactly why I love collecting these cards. They anchor high-brow art in the low-brow reality of post-holiday fatigue and social scheduling.
The Artifact: A National Gallery Souvenir
This specific card is No. 1296 in the National Gallery’s series. It was printed in Great Britain by Fine Art Engravers, Ltd., a firm known for their high-quality reproductions. Unlike the early 20th-century cards in my collection, this one lacks a postage stamp, suggesting it might have been enclosed in an envelope or hand-delivered.
The address—23 Chalcot Crescent—is a notable detail for any Londoner. This iconic, curved street in Primrose Hill is famous for its pastel-coloured houses and has been home to many writers and artists over the years. Receiving a Dutch masterpiece through the door of a Primrose Hill townhouse seems perfectly in character for the neighbourhood’s artistic history.
Why Art Postcards Endure
Museum postcards like this one serve a dual purpose. For the sender, they are a way to signal their tastes and share a piece of beauty they encountered during a visit. For the recipient, they are a free piece of art that can be pinned to a corkboard or tucked into a mirror frame.
Looking at this Cuyp reproduction today, I’m struck by how the colours remain so vivid. The "National Gallery" branding on the back reminds us that these institutions have long understood the power of the postcard as a tool for democratizing art. Whether it’s a thank-you for a "lovely supper party" or a quick update on a "windy" holiday, the postcard ensures that even a 17th-century masterpiece has a role to play in 20th-century friendships.
