Dear Theo,
While I think of it, I must tell you once more that what you
say about “like a meek dove” (a period like
Correggio painted) is true, it does not last, and it is right
that it does not last. It is also right that we see it and that
we experience it and shall not forget it; but it does not last,
because that poignant feeling (though I believe it remains
deeply hidden in man) is changed into a more normal condition -
so, for instance the woman here now looks much more like a
mother hen fussing over her chickens. But a mother hen is a
pretty animal for all that.
This morning I was in a charitable home, boy, to see a
little old woman (with whom I had to arrange about posing), and
thus far she has brought up two natural children of her
daughter's who is a so-called kept woman. Several things struck
me: in the first place, the neglected appearance of the poor
little creatures, though the grandmother does her best, and
many are much worse off; and secondly, I was deeply touched by
the devotion of that little grandmother, and it struck me that
when an old woman puts her wrinkled hands to such a task, we
men must not let ours be idle.
I saw the real mother, who just dropped in, wearing untidy
clothes, with uncombed, unkempt hair. And, boy, I thought of
the difference between the woman with whom I live as she is now
and as I found her a year ago, and between the children here
and there.
Oh, if only one keeps reality in mind, then it is as clear
as daylight that it is a good thing to take care of what would
otherwise wither and droop. And I personally think that no
argument about the objections to or the impropriety of meddling
can counter the reality of these things. And in my case, just
because it fits in with my profession, many difficulties
disappear, though from another side, the financial one, many
difficulties do indeed arise, and will remain. But here also it
sometimes happens that the poor are the poor man's friend, and
certainly it is a good thing that women and children learn
thrift and that men learn to work hard.
But as for you, there are things which I foresee you will
have to contend with, like everybody else - things of another
nature, which occur in all men's lives, for that matter. I
mean, you should thoroughly prepare yourself for the fact that
you will gradually discover quite different things in the woman
whom you are taking care of - that is in her character. And
speaking my mind unreservedly, I say you will be disappointed
in her, and perhaps you will say to her, “How you have
changed!” and she will say the same thing to you. And
then I think it will mean a step in the right direction if -
notwithstanding this “change” on both sides -
neither of you is annoyed with the other, and you
learn to put up with things on her part, and she
learns to put up with things on your part - or, in other
words, if there is a mutual overlooking of shortcomings.
Look, this is a crisis nobody can escape, and it is a crisis
which may cause some to become more firmly attached to each
other, whereas on the other hand, it may cause others to become
estranged by it, which is always a very deplorable thing to
have happen once one has started. In short, sticking it
out is not always an easy thing to do.
And here in my case, for instance, in those days I
was very glad now and then that there were children for
whose sake the path of duty was more clearly discernible. To
the woman as well as to myself.
Look, man has no stauncher friend than his
duty, and though at times it may be a rough and
stern taskmaster, as long as one works in its
service, one will not easily become a bankrupt.
And when I say I foresee you will have conflicts, perhaps
more than the usual number of conflicts, I base this
supposition on the fact that probably this woman may also be of
a humbler station in life, as it's called. And what Father says
about this, for instance - you know his way of thinking
sufficiently for me not to need to repeat it - is really true,
at least in certain respects I admit it. Only there are certain
cases, like yours, in which the important thing is to save a
life - look, in such cases Father himself would not know what
to do, or rather, I actually believe that in his heart too
“je vôte pour la vie” would carry the day.
Ah! you know, once in a while when I am in doubt, I ask
myself, Would you be a judge passing a death sentence?
And every time I find only one answer: No, once and for
all, I am for abolishing death sentences, legal or otherwise,
ostracism and other peines capitales. We are called on to
preserve life, to respect life; that is our duty, and we
can always justify it - even if the world puts us in the wrong
and things do not turn out to our advantage.
So you see, old fellow, this letter is meant to tell you
that you not only have my sympathy if things turn out
well, but also in case they turn out badly.
And as for me, you must not infer from this letter that
things turned out badly in my case, for I have much to be
thankful for; but notwithstanding this, petites misères
of various kinds have befallen me, and the
“precariousness” of such situations is so clear to
me that, seeing it is only the beginning for you,
Further, this letter is meant to tell you that I think it
desirable that there be a child, for you will see that
most people consider this a difficulty, which I do not
see, just the reverse. And I assure you, I expect everything
can be arranged so that you will not be compromised in the eyes
of the world; but suppose things came to such a pass that you
had to choose between compromising yourself and deserting her -
in that case I should approve of you if you said, I vote for
life, and when it is a case of saving a human life, I scorn a
compromise. This is if the worst comes to the worst, but as
long as you are able to live in peace with everybody without
harming her - do so. Well, it is not superfluous to say so,
taking into account that Father, for instance, said to me at
the time, “There is something immoral in a liaison with a
woman of a lower station in life” (which I do not think
true, as I do not see any connection between the station
in life and morality: the station in life concerns the world,
morality concerns God), and further, “Do not sacrifice
your position to a woman,” which I do not think applies
when a human life is at stake.
But Father himself is not such a die-hard, and often he is
quite reasonable.
As to the possibility of certain persons turning against you
because of the woman, I do not think you will regret going in
for a permanent relationship, in which I differ radically from
those who as a matter of principle only enter into
relationships “without consequences.”
One finds great inner calm in a permanent relationship, and
I think it in harmony with nature; whereas one transgresses the
eternal moral laws as soon as one tries to shirk the
consequences of a relationship with a woman. My opinion is that
a man who regulates his life in harmony with the eternal laws
of nature as well as of morality contributes his share toward
the reform and progress and amelioration of things which have
become disorientated in present-day society. Therefore, do not
doubt the reasonableness of your act; you cannot be too calm
and imperturbable in the face of people's cynical remarks. A
permanent relationship often is a source of rejuvenation of
vigor and enterprise. One may lose protection, but one gains
energy and keeps on one's feet, after all.
But do you know what is a danger, which I realize now more
than I used to?
With reference to your ideas about things, you are concerned
not only with yourself, but also with the views of the woman
you are with. And just when you are firm and unshakable in the
face of outward influences, it may happen that in certain
respects the woman will let herself be disconcerted by the
opposition of certain people. And will start opposing you in
the same way as the people I mentioned, and will say, It won't
do, it's impossible - and that, at a time when you are already
victorious, so to speak.
Well, the woman may change a great deal in consequence of
the shocks she has had to undergo and may stand by you; she may
turn out a success or a failure according to the way she reacts
to things, she may improve or deteriorate in character by
rowing against the stream.
And retrogression is part of the female character.
But as there are qualities in your woman which indicate that
there is something intellectual about her, and as she is not
without culture, I think that for this reason she doubly
deserves your confidence.
If it should be that her intellectual development is coupled
with contentedness, and she is modest in her demands, I do not
think the above-mentioned things are to be feared. And being
equal to a period of rowing against the stream, she can only
gain energy. Therefore be of good heart.
And with regard to my finances, know it well that whatever
you can spare is as absolutely necessary to me as the air I
breathe, and that my productivity depends on it, but I don't
think you need be afraid of taking any steps toward
recommending my work, for it will not be a failure; I think I
can assure you we will find friends for it. And for my part, in
order to lighten the burden for you, though apart from that I
assure you I did not like it at all, I wrote to C. M., and I
want to ask you: could you perhaps write a little word
to Tersteeg, telling him that I am working on those large
drawings? Look here, boy, if Mauve gave a helping hand
now, for instance, perhaps, perhaps they might be
turned into paintings. I think the studies and compositions are
worked out enough to serve as a foundation for a painted
picture. If I had the means, I would not care to sell these at
all, and I should keep my work together till it formed a good
whole.
And know that I long terribly for your coming. I think you
will see, brother, that your faithful help and your sacrifices
for me have borne some fruit, and will bear even more. But I am
greatly in need of money for the expenses. And even if we don't
sell these, I think they might become the means of finding new
connections, and perhaps of re-establishing relations with C.
M. or Tersteeg or Mauve.
Adieu, boy, a warm handshake,
Yours sincerely, Vincent
[Written on a loose leaf] I should think it all the more
desirable if you could send me something extra because, instead
of doing less, I should like to do more during the days between
now and your arrival.
I hope I shall be able to push things forward a little more,
because I am now getting results with lithographic crayon, and
turn out things that are better and more vigorous than the
former drawings. Only a few more pulls, and I think they may be
able and willing to use me for some illustration work or
other.
For although this may seem of little account, I am fitted by
nature for such a position, and I feel the inclination and the
energy for it.
And also, I should like so very much to wash on Torchon
again, probably before your arrival too. For you must not
suppose that I have dismissed the idea of doing watercolours or
painting. I am most firmly resolved to do it, only drawing is
the root of everything, and the time spent on it is really
wholly profitable.
One cannot help drawing “pictures of the future”
in one's mind. One does this even if one is convinced one
cannot predict anything with certainty and sufficient accuracy.
But what you write today may have a great influence on my
future. Who knows if it might not end in our being drawn
together even more closely.
Well, at all events your coming here has become doubly
important to me on account of this, and I want to try to give
myself a few more pulls in the right direction; help me do it
if you can.
If at some time or other you should get more of a home life,
I think we should understand each other even better, and I have
the impression we should mean even more to each other.
I understand it is probable that you are going to have many
cares, and if I can do anything to produce better work, I shall
exert myself doubly.
At times a blessing may rest on love, though the world seems
to think one ought to doubt this. But the blessing is rooted in
the fact that if one works with love in one's heart, one can do
more than otherwise, and is afraid of fewer things. And
consequently one has more serenity. In short, one learns to
persevere. And, my dear fellow, however all this may be -
whether socially speaking it will be to your advantage or not -
I believe that after all you can only gain by it. Therefore a
blessing on everything you do, and be assured of my heartfelt
wish that the woman you are taking care of may recover and be
saved.
Yes, it certainly is inspiring work - saving a life from
drowning in a sea of misery! It may well be that it is a great
happiness for you as well as for her. For then hidden forces of
energy and vitality will develop. Once more, thanks for your
letter and the remittance. And if you can, write again
soon.
At this time, Vincent was 30 year oldSource: Vincent van Gogh. Letter to Theo van Gogh. Written 3 June 1883 in The Hague. Translated by Mrs. Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, edited by Robert Harrison, number 290. URL: https://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/letter/12/290.htm.
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