A cartophilist refers to an individual who possesses a keen and passionate interest in collecting and studying a wide variety of picture postcards. The term "cartophilist" is primarily derived from two words: "carto," relating to cartography or maps, and "philist," indicating a person with enthusiastic fondness for something. Hence, a cartophilist is someone who revels in the artistry, history, and cultural significance of picture postcards.
As a collector, a cartophilist seeks out and amasses postcards from numerous sources, such as antique shops, auctions, and postcard fairs, fostering an extensive and diverse collection reflecting different subjects, periods, and regions. They meticulously organize, study, and preserve each item, paying attention to minute details like printing methods, captions, postage stamps, and postmarks. Cartophilists may also engage in trading or exchanging postcards with fellow enthusiasts to expand their collections.
The devotion of a cartophilist is driven not only by the aesthetic appeal of postcards but also by their historical significance. They appreciate postcards as windows into the past, revealing insights into social customs, landmarks, architecture, fashion, transportation, and other aspects of bygone eras. Through their collections, cartophilists aim to preserve and share these glimpses of history, contributing to the study of social, cultural, and visual narratives of different periods.
In summary, a cartophilist is an enthusiastic collector who values and eagerly explores the historical, cultural, and artistic facets of picture postcards, amassing a comprehensive library reflecting the diverse tapestry of human experiences throughout time.
