I still hope there may be some character in it

Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh, from The Hague, c. 15-17 April 1882

So now you have one of my figures and one of my landscapes, and I think you will see that I have made some progress.

Though this be “only black and white” and unsaleable??? and without charm??? I still hope there may be some character in it. And I think that instead of reproaching me for applying myself only to drawing things, this certainly proves that I am taking the most practical way. For it is easier to proceed from drawing to painting than, conversely, to make pictures without drawing the necessary studies.

Of course it causes me a great deal of worry and makes my life far from easy when those whom I thought I could depend on for sympathy, like Mauve and Tersteeg, become indifferent or hostile and spiteful. I have not heard anything from Mauve; one day he is ill, and then again he needs rest, or he is too busy. How beautiful his picture for the Salon is!

But you understand these things yourself, so enough.

Letter 188
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
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