Relevant paintings: "Phryne before the Areopagus," Jean-Léon Gérôme 1861 [Enlarge]
|
Dear Theo,
I am so anxious to know if you are feeling better that I am
writing at once to beg you to send at least a postcard, to let
me know whether you are all right again.
I arrived here safe and sound on Monday night. Tuesday
morning, I began my lessons again. I intend to do the exercises
I have already done all over again - at least as much as I have
time for in addition to my other work. Father advised this, for
once one is well grounded in grammar and the verbs, translation
comes easier. I shall find time for it as soon as the sun rises
earlier and it is less cold, so that I can begin early. If one
works from early morning until late at night, one can
accomplish a great deal in a few months, and so I hope to be
ready for the examination by October.
I saw a great many fine drawings at Uncle Cor's, also a new
and very clever one by Rochussen, “A Soriée of
Diplomats.” Tonight Mauve is showing his drawings in
Arti.1 I should have liked to go there, but probably
I saw most of the drawings when we spent that evening at his
house. Uncle Cor also had a very pretty picture by Valkenburg,
“Interior of a Homestead,” with four little
figures.
I will hang those prints you gave me, “Le Four”
[The Oven], by Th. Rousseau, and “The Road to
Rijswijk” by Weissenbruch, in my room.
I'm sorry that I did not take a later train from The Hague -
we could have been together a little longer - but now I hope to
see you again in the spring when you go on your business trip.
It is very cold here these days, and this morning everything
was covered with snow. I am glad Uncle Vincent has gone abroad
- he will be in Paris tonight. When you see Mauve, remember to
ask him for that poem by Jules Breton, “Le
Laboureur,” and send it to me when you get it.
Uncle Cor then asked me if I should feel no attraction for a
beautiful woman or girl. I answered that I would feel more
attraction for, and would rather come into contact with, one
who was ugly or old or poor or in some way unhappy, but who,
through experience and sorrow, had gained a mind and a
soul.
There was also a beautiful drawing by Maris at Uncle Cor's,
a view of the city with water in the foreground and a big sky.
I suppose you know it. Write again soon, and have a good time.
My regards to the Rooses; à Dieu, a warm handshake in
thought, and believe me always,
Your loving brother, Vincent
-
Art club in Amsterdam.
At this time, Vincent was 24 year oldSource: Vincent van Gogh. Letter to Theo van Gogh. Written 9 January 1878 in Amsterdam. Translated by Mrs. Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, edited by Robert Harrison, number 117. URL: https://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/letter/6/117.htm.
This letter may be freely used, in accordance with the terms of this site.
|