Honest drawing is no longer wanted

Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh, from The Hague, 1 November 1882

The managers, Herkomer says, ask for things that are done for effect; correct and honest drawing is no longer wanted, complete designs are no longer in demand. . . .

Then he comes to the artists, and says how he regrets that nowadays it is all too often the wood engraver and not the draughtsman who makes the pages beautiful. He urges the artists not to permit this, to draw soberly and vigorously, so that the engraver remains what he should be: the interpreter of the draughtsman's work, not his master.

Then his conclusion follows, a strong admonition to all to put their hearts into the job, and not to allow themselves to weaken. . . .

The whole thing is thoroughly sound, strong, honest. . . . To me it is an inspiration, and it does my heart good to hear someone talk this way.

Letter 240
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
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