| 37 letters relate to feelings - nostalgia... | Excerpt length: shorter longer | |
| Letter from Vincent van Gogh to The van Stockum-Haanebeek family (2 July 1873) ... that on the whole I feel quite at home already. Yet I do not
forget The Hague, and should very, very much like to spend an
evening in the Poten, and look in on you, too.
The business here is only a stockroom, and our work is quite
different from what it is in The Hague; but I shall probably
get used to it. At six o'clock my work is already done for the
day, so that I have a nice bit of time for myself, which I
spend pleasantly - taking walks, reading and letter
writing.
The neighbourhood where I live is quite beautiful, and so
quiet and intimate that you almost forget you are in London. In
front of every house there is a small garden with flowers or a
few trees, and many houses are built very tastefully in a sort
of Gothic style. Still, I have a good half-hour's walk to get
to the country.
We have a piano in the sitting room, and there are also
three Germans living here who are very fond of music, which is
very pleasant.
One of the finest sights I have seen... | Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (20 July 1873) ... 1 .
How I should like to have you here. What pleasant days we
spent together at The Hague; I think so often of that walk on
the Rijswijk road, when we drank milk at the mill after the
rain. When we send back the pictures we have from you, I will
send you a picture of that mill by Weissenbruch; perhaps you
remember him, his nickname is Merry Weiss. That Rijswijk
road holds memories for me which are perhaps the most beautiful
I have. If we meet again, maybe we shall talk about them once
more.
And now, boy, I wish you well. Think of me from time to time
and write me soon, it is such a delight to get a letter.
Vincent
Lies, an abbreviation for their sister Elisabeth.
... | Letter from Vincent van Gogh to The van Stockum-Haanebeek family (7 August 1873) ... do well. I was very glad he wrote me.
A few days ago a brother of Iterson's paid me a call, and
for the first time since May I had a chance to speak Dutch. We
live far apart, much to my regret.
Good luck to you. Remember me to all in the Poten. Good
luck!
Yours truly, Vincent
Gladden my heart with a letter as soon as you can find
time.
[Enclosed]
THE EVE OF SAINT MARK (Unfinished)
Upon a Sabbath-day it fell;
Twice holy was the Sabbath-bell,
That call'd the folk to evening prayer;
The chilly sunset faintly told
Of unmatur'd green vallies cold,
Of the green thorny bloomless hedge,
Of rivers new with spring-time sedge,
Of primroses by shelter'd rills,
Of daisies on the aguish hill.
Bertha was a maiden fair,
Dwelling in the old Minister-square;
From her fire-side she could see,
Sidelong its rich antiquity,
Far as the bishop's garden-wall;
Where sycamores and elm-trees tall,
... | Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Carolien van Stockum-Haanebeek (9 February 1874) ...
I feel the urge to write you a few words. How nice were the
days “wenn [sic] wir zusammen
waren” [when we were together]; rest assured that I
never forget you, but I am not such a good hand at
letter-writing as I should like to be. I live a rich life here,
`having nothing yet possessing all.' At times I am inclined to
believe that I am gradually turning into a cosmopolite; that
is, neither a Dutchman, nor an Englishman, nor yet a Frenchman,
but simply a man. And as a homeland, the whole world,
i.e. a small spot in the world where we are sent to stay. We
have not got there yet, though I am straining after it, and
perhaps may grasp it. And as my ideal, what Mauve called,
“That is it.”
Old girl, à Dieu.
Yours truly, Vincent
A handshake for you and Willem, like old times, till your
fingers hurt.
... | Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (24 July 1875) ... Paris, July 24 1875
Dear Theo,
A few days ago we received a picture by de Nittis,
a view of London on a rainy day, Westminster bridge and the house of
Parliament [sic]. I used to pass over Westminsterbridge every morning
and evening and know how it looks when the sun sets behind
Westminster abbey and the house of Parliament, and how it looks
early in the morning, and in winter in snow and fog.
When I saw the picture I felt how much I loved London. Still
I think that it is better for me that I left it.
This in answer to your question.
I certainly do not believe that you will be sent to
London.
Thanks for the “Springtime of Life.” And
“At Midnight” by Rückert. The first is very
beautiful, the latter reminds me of “September
Night” by de Musset. I wish I could send it you, but I do
not possess it.
Yesterday we sent a box to The Hague in which you will find
what I promised you.
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