Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (5 or 6 June 1883) ... to be
cheered up if possible.
That it is my opinion that you ought to be faithful to the
woman, you know well enough; there is no question of saying
anything less about it than I did; you must act as you think
right, but don't be angry with Father if he is mistaken.
That is what I wanted to say. Don't even mention that he is
mistaken unless he continues to press the point; perhaps he
will change his mind of his own accord.
Now again about the work: today I asked permission to make
sketches in the old people's asylum, that is, of the men's
ward, of the women's ward and of the garden.
I was there today. From the window I sketched an old
gardener near a twisted apple tree, and the carpenter's shop of
the asylum, where I had tea with two old almshouse men. In the
men's ward I can come as a visitor: it was very striking,
indescribably striking.
One little fellow, for instance, with a long thin neck, in a
wheel chair, was splendid. That carpenter's shop with those...
Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (c. 2 July 1883) ... but who can give any security?
Recently I have not asked for particulars about the woman,
as I myself feel assured that you love each other, which is the
main thing, for as long as one knows this one thing, there is
no need to ask for particulars.
I only hope you will come soon - a year is a long time not
to see each other, yet to be always thinking of each other. Now
on July 1 our little chap was one year old, and he is the
merriest, jolliest child you can imagine, and I think this
child's doing well and keeping her busy and occupying her
thoughts are impor-tant in saving the woman herself. For the
rest, I sometimes think it would be well for her to live in the
country for a time, far from the city and far from the family;
it would help to bring about a thorough improvement. It's true
she has improved, but her family's influence is a bad drawback
at times: I want to lead her to greater simplicity, whereas
they are driving her to intrigues and duplicity.
Well,...
Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (c. 11 July 1883) ... look
forward to seeing you very much.
I'm eager to hear from you how well up your woman is in
artistic matters. I imagine in any case that much still remains
to be done and encouraged in that direction. Tant mieux. In any
case, I hope she will acquire some sort of scrapbook, for which
I hope you will be able to find a few sheets from among the
smaller studies. Sometimes there are sheets in a sketchbook
which, although they are mere scribbles, nevertheless have
something to say. I shall put a few things aside against her
arrival.
I have talked it over with De Bock and I can store my things
at his house when I do my studies in Scheveningen. I also hope
to call on Blommers again in the near future. I spoke to De
Bock about his painting at the Salon, “November,”
the reproduction of which I admired so much in the catalogue.
He must still have a sketch of it, and I should like to see
that.
Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (12 October 1883) ... which we must
settle between us.
In the first place I should think it a very good thing if
your relations with Marie were put on a firmer basis, if
possible a formal engagement. In the second place I should wish
that we both understood that circumstances urgently demand that
Brabant no longer be closed to me. I myself think it best
not to go there if it can be avoided, but in case of a
calamity, as Father has a house there rent-free, I might save
the rent I am obliged to pay here.
I have reached the point where my work will probably yield
some profit soon. And now if we could reduce the
expenses to a minimum, even below the present rate, I could
perhaps earn a little instead of spending, become positive
instead of negative.
If this is urgent that we must earn money, I see a
chance of it in that way, if they have patience at home, if
they realize what is necessary, and especially if the whole
family helps in the question of posing for me.
...
Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (28 October 1883) ... paint - must put his shoulder to
the wheel. If the woman came, of course she would have to paint
too.
Everybody would have to paint here - the wife of one of the
Van Eycks also had to do it. And I tell you that the people
don't seem disagreeable or intriguing. There is a kind of
benevolence in this place, and I think you can do exactly what
you think best. There is a surprisingly youthful atmosphere in
existence here.
One should begin by saying with all possible courage,
gaiety, enthusiasm, I know none of us can do a thing, but for
all that, we are painters. Our wanting in itself means
action. This is what I believe should be the main
idea. We are alive - if we do not work “comme plusieurs
nègres,” we shall die of want, and we shall cut a
most ridiculous figure. However, we happen to abhor this
mightily - because of that same thing which I call surprising
youthfulness - and in addition, a seriousness that is damned
serious.
That...y...
