Letter from Vincent van Gogh to His Parents (16 February 1881) ... I must tell you another thing that I have done. As I
told you, about a month ago I bought a pair of trousers and a
coat, secondhand. It turned out so well that I bought another
coat and pair of trousers from the same man. It's true that the
first suit would have been quite sufficient, but it is much
better to have two suits because they last longer when one can
alternate them. Enclosed is a sample of the material. And I
also had to replenish my underwear with three pairs of drawers,
and paid 2.75 fr. apiece for them; besides, I bought a pair of
shoes for 4 fr. The things I bought were really not
superfluous. But altogether they have made a big hole in this
month's money, and I shall have to stint myself in consequence,
especially as I paid 5 fr. to that painter in advance for the
lessons.
Do not worry about these expenses, however, and do not
accuse me of extravagance, for really the contrary is rather my
fault of character, and if I could spend more, I should get on
quicker...
Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (2 April 1881) ... materials and also got myself some clothes. I bought two
workmen's suits of rough black velvet, of that material known
as veloutine. It looks well, and one can wear it everywhere
besides, the suits will be of use to me later, because I shall
want a great many workmen's clothes - as I do already - for my
models, which of course I need like everybody else. Gradually I
must make such a collection, of all kinds of garments,
secondhand if necessary, men's as well as women's; but of
course I need not do it all at once, though I have started, and
am going on with it.
What you say is true, financial questions have either
advanced or handicapped many people in the world. It is so, and
Bernard Palissy's saying remains true, “Poverty prevents
the good spirits from arriving.” But when I think it
over, I cannot help wondering, Isn't it right that in a family
like ours - in which two Messrs. Van Gogh are very rich, and
both in the art field, Uncle Cor and our uncle of Prinsenhage,
...
Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (c. 18 December 1881) ... I have also paid the model
for a few days. And I needed a pair of shoes, and in short, I
haven't watched every penny I've spent. So I have overdrawn the
200-franc limit, as all told this trip has cost me 90 guilders.
And now I think that Father is rather hard up himself for the
moment, and I do not know what to do. Personally, I should like
to stay here longer, even renting a room here, for instance at
Scheveningen for a few months (and perhaps even longer); but
the way things are, perhaps it is better for me to go back to
Etten. I think Scheveningen and its types and figures so
splendid. But the models are very expensive - 1.50 or 2
guilders a day, some even more. But here one comes in contact
with painters, etc.
When I wrote Father this week for money, he thought it so
very excessive that I had spent 90 guilders. But you will
understand, I think, that this is not unreasonable, for
everything is so expensive. But I hate to have to account to
Father for every cent I spend,...
Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (29 December 1881) ... and painting materials will increase.
I must also try to dress somewhat better.
It is a risky affair, a question of sink or swim. But
someday I should have had to set myself up, so what shall I
say? It has happened sooner than I expected.
Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (1-2 January 1882) ... more trustworthy, and what more
can I want? However, Theo, I shall have to dress a little
better now. I know now the direction in which I have to go, and
need not hide myself, so I shall not avoid meeting other people
- neither shall I seek them. Mauve and Jet send you their
compliments.
Adieu, I sill have a lot to do, believe me,
Yours sincerely, Vincent
...
