My dear Theo,
If Gauguin is agreeable, and if there is only the difficulty
of removal to get over before we get going, it would be better
not to keep him dangling. So I have written, though I hardly
had time, as I have two canvases on the easel. If you think the
letter clear enough, send it; if not, in case of doubt it's
better to do nothing. And whatever you do for him must not
upset your plan of sending for our sister, and above all, your
own needs and mine. For if we cannot keep ourselves in good
condition, how can we pretend to lend a hand in other people's
difficulties? But now we are actually on the way to a sound,
strenuous life, and so if possible let's do the work that is
nearest.
If you send me the next letter on Sunday morning, I
shall probably take myself off that day to Saintes-Maries to
spend a week there. I am reading a book on Wagner which I will
send you afterward. What an artist - one like that in painting
would be something. It will come.
Do you know this -
At 6, Rue Coëllogon, Rue de Rennes,
On the 7th and 8th of June, from 1 to
7 P.M.
Exhibition of pictures and drawings by Régamey.
It might be very interesting, as they travelled everywhere,
he and his brother.
A handshake,
Ever yours, Vincent
I believe in the victory of Gauguin and the other artists,
but it's a long time between then and now, and although he may
have the luck to sell one or two canvases, it would be just the
same. Meanwhile Gauguin may croak like Méryon,
disheartened; it is bad that he is not working - but we shall
see what his answer is.
At this time, Vincent was 35 year oldSource: Vincent van Gogh. Letter to Theo van Gogh. Written c. 5 June 1888 in Arles. Translated by Mrs. Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, edited by Robert Harrison, number 494. URL: https://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/letter/18/494.htm.
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