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Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Anthon van Rappard
The Hague, c. 2-4 April 1883

Amice Rappard,

I received the package of wood engravings on March 30; as there was no accompanying letter, I waited a few days to see if you were going to write me. Now, however, I shall write you a few words to thank you very much for this batch, and to tell you that I found several sheets among them that I did not have myself (among other things, “A Ghost Story” by Thomas, “Christmas Carol” by Gilbert, Oberlander's “In der Kirche” [In church], etc.).

I gave the other ones to Van der Weele, who was very glad to have them. I imagine you will be very busy with the picture you intend for the exhibition. When everything connected with it is finished, I shall look forward eagerly to the resumption of our correspondence about lithography and black and white in general, and - if it is possible - no less to getting together with you.

I am writing you only a short letter this time, as I can understand that you are very busy.

1

The drawing I am working on now with this method is an orphan man standing near a coffin - in what they call the “corpses' den.”

Adieu, with a handshake, and thanks again for what you sent me,

Ever yours, Vincent

It stands to reason that, in order to simplify things, you could experiment with printers' ink and turpentine only. This time, however, I don't mean autographic ink, but ordinary printer's ink. Perhaps you have it already, otherwise you can get it at any printing office.

1. See letter 279 to Theo.


At this time, Vincent was 30 year old
Source:
Vincent van Gogh. Letter to Anthon van Rappard. Written c. 2-4 April 1883 in The Hague. Translated by Mrs. Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, edited by Robert Harrison, number R33.
URL: https://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/letter/12/R33.htm.

This letter may be freely used, in accordance with the terms of this site.
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