van Gogh's letters - unabridged and annotated
 
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Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh
Paris, 1 September 1875
Relevant paintings:


"Pilgrims at Emmaus," Rembrandt van Rijn 1648
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Paris, 1st September 1875

Dear Theo,

In the first box of pictures going to Holland you will find some lithographs and the engravings after Rembrandt that I mentioned to you. You will surely like the two lithographs after Bonington. At the same time I shall send you a few photographs of pictures by Jules Breton and Corot for Father; I shall write on the back, “for Helvoirt.”

I never heard of the painter, Pynas, whom you write about. I should like to see the picture you mention. I don't know that lithograph after Diaz's “A Monk” either.

Last Sunday I was at the Louvre (on Sundays I generally go there or to the Luxembourg). I wish you could see Van Ostade, his own family - himself, his wife and, I think, eight children. They are all in black - the wife and daughters with white caps and kerchiefs - in a stately old-Dutch room with a fireplace, large oak panels and ceiling, the whitewashed walls with pictures in black frames. In the corner of the room is a large bed with blue curtains and quilt.

The Rembrandt, “The Men of Emmaus,” which I wrote you about has been engraved; Messrs. Goupil & Co. will publish the engraving next autumn.

Do you ever visit Borchers's home? His mother is, I think, a real lady. Go out as much as you can, I mean, of course, to Van Stockum's, Haanebeek's, Carbentus's, Borchers's, etc.; not to Kraft's or Marda's, you know, unless it happens that you can't do otherwise - then there is no harm in it for once.

Best wishes and write soon, always your loving brother,

Vincent

Enclosed is a note for Borchers; compliments to all the Roos family and to everybody who asks after me. B. tells me that Weehuizen is dead, which I did not know. Were you there?

  1. Uncle Jan Carbentus.


At this time, Vincent was 22 year old
Source:
Vincent van Gogh. Letter to Theo van Gogh. Written 1 September 1875 in Paris. Translated by Mrs. Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, edited by Robert Harrison, number 035.
URL: https://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/letter/3/035.htm.

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