Whether I can work full speed, half speed, or not at all often depends on the money I have

Let me know as nearly as possible what I can expect; and I wish you could make some arrangement with Mr. Tersteeg, so that in case of difficulties, I can go to him without any scruples. For my part, I promise you to work as hard as I can; but with models, for instance, whether I can work full speed, half speed, or not at all often depends on the money I have or haven't got in my pocket. So now I am making arrangements with a mother and her baby, but I am afraid it will be too expensive. Of course you understand that I like best to go full speed, but…well, you know what I mean. I must hold myself in until I have a little more scope and freedom.

Write me soon, and do send me the money for February as early as possible, for I am quite sure I shall not have a cent left by that time.

To Theo van Gogh, from The Hague, c. 12-16 January 1882, Letter 170
Translations courtesy of Robert Harrison.
Back to The Way of Vincent: Making art no matter what