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[To Carolien van Stockum-Haanebeek]
My dear Carolien,
I feel the urge to write you a few words. 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.
At this time, Vincent was 20 year oldSource:
Vincent van Gogh. Letter to . Written 9 February 1874 in London. Translated by Mrs. Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, edited by Robert Harrison, number .
URL: https://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/letter/2/013a.htm.
This letter may be freely used, in accordance with the terms of this site.
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