[Letter written in English by Vincent van Gogh to the
English painter Horace M. Livens, whom he had met in Antwerp.
The text is reproduced without alterations.]
Paris, Aug-Oct. 1887
My dear Mr. Levens,
Since I am here in Paris I have very often thought of
yourself and work. You will remember that I liked your colour,
your ideas on art and literature and I add, most of all your
personality. I have already before now thought that I ought to
let you know what I was doing, where I was. But what refrained
me was that I find living in Paris is much dearer than in
Antwerp and not knowing what your circumstances are I dare not
say, come over to Paris from Antwerp without warning you that
it costs one dearer, and that if poor, one has to suffer many
things - as you may imagine - . But on the other hand there is
more chance of selling. There is also a good chance of
exchanging pictures with other artists. In one word, with much
energy, with a sincere personal feeling of colour in nature I
would say an artist can get on here notwithstanding the many
obstructions. And I intend remaining here still longer.
There is much to be seen here - for instance Delacroix, to
name only one master. In Antwerp I did not even know what the
impressionists were, now I have seen them and though not
being one of the club yet I have much admired certain
impressionists' pictures - Degas nude figure - Claude
Monet landscape.
And now for what regards what I myself have been doing, I
have lacked money for paying models else I had entirely given
myself to figure painting. But I have made a series of colour
studies in painting, simply flowers, red poppies, blue corn
flowers and myosotys, white and rose roses, yellow
chrysanthemums-seeking oppositions of blue with orange, red and
green, yellow and violet seeking les tons rompus et
neutres to harmonize brutal extremes. Trying to render
intense colour and not a grey harmony. Now alter these
gymnastics I lately did two heads which I dare say are better
in light and colour than those I did before.
So as we said at the time: in colour seeking
life the true drawing is modelling with colour.
I did a dozen landscapes too, frankly green frankly
blue.
And so I am struggling for life and progress in art.
Now I would very much like to know what you are doing and
whether you ever think of going to Paris.
If ever you did come here, write to me before and I will, if
you like, share my lodgings and studio with you so long as I
have any. In spring - say February or even sooner I may be
going to the South of France, the land of the blue tones
and gay colours.
And look here, if I knew you had longings for the same we
might combine.
I felt sure at the time that you are a thorough colourist
and since I saw the impressionists I assure you that neither
your colour nor mine as it is developping itself, is
exactly the same as their theories. But so much dare I
say we have a chance and a good one finding friends. I hope
your health is all-right. I was rather low down in health when
in Antwerp but got better here.
Write to me in any case. Remember me to Allen, Briet, Rink,
Durant but I have not often thought of them as I did think of
you - almost daily.
Shaking hands cordially. Yours truly Vincent
My present address is
Mr. Vincent van Gogh
54 Rue Lepic, Paris.
With regard my chances of sale look here, they are certainly
not much but still I do have a beginning.
At the present moment I have found four dealers who have
exhibited studies of mine. And I have exchanged studies with
many artists.
Now the prices are 50 francs. Certainly not much - but - as
far as I can see one must sell cheap to rise and even at
costing price. And mind my dear fellow, Paris is Paris. There
is but one Paris and however hard living may be here, and if it
became worse and harder even - the french air clears up the
brain and does good - a world of good. I have been in Cormons
studio for three or four months but I did not find that so
useful as I had expected it to be. It may be my fault however,
anyhow I left there too as I left Antwerp and since I worked
alone, and fancy that since I feel my own self more.
Trade is slow here. The great dealers sell Millet,
Delacroix, Corot, Daubigny, Dupré, a few other masters
at exorbitant prices. They do little or nothing for young
artists. The second class dealers contrariwise sell those at
very low prices. If I asked more I would do nothing, I fancy.
However I have faith in colour. Even with regards the price the
public will pay for it in the long run. But for the present
things are awfully hard. Therefore let anyone who risks to go
over here consider there is no laying on roses at all.
What is to be gained is progress and what the deuce
that is, it is to be found here. I dare say as certain anyone
who has a solid position elsewhere let him stay where he is.
But for adventurers as myself, I think they lose nothing in
risking more. Especially as in my case I am not an adventurer
by choice but by fate, and feeling nowhere so much myself a
stranger as in my family and country. - Kindly remember me to
your landlady Mrs. Roosmalen and say her that if she will
exhibit something of my work I will send her a small picture of
mine.
[According to John Rewald of New York, this letter was first
published in the Sunday Times, London, February 17, 1929 (ed.
F.V. Lucas). Livens painted mainly “farmyards." The
letter was written in 1886 (not 1887).]
At this time, Vincent was 33 year oldSource: Vincent van Gogh. Letter to Horace M. Livens. Written August/Oct 1886 in Paris. Translated by Robert Harrison, edited by Robert Harrison, number . URL: https://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/letter/17/459a.htm.
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