I am to be able to go on working regularly

Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh, from The Hague, 5 August 1882

I am so thankful that you have been here. I think it a delightful prospect to be able to work a whole year without anxiety, and a new horizon has been opened to me in painting through what you gave me.

I think I am privileged over thousands of others because you removed so many barriers for me.

Of course many a painter cannot go on because of the expenses, and I cannot express to you in words how thankful I am to be able to go on working regularly. I began later than others, and I must work doubly hard to make up for lost time; but in spite of my ardor, I should have to stop if it were not for you.

Letter 222
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
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