A painter paints to do some good

Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh, from The Hague, 11 December 1882

But as to me - que faire?

A few years ago Rappard and I walked outside Brussels on a spot which they call la Valle Josaphat . . . . At that time there was a sand quarry where diggers were at work, there were women looking for dandelion leaves, a farmer was sowing; we looked at all that, and I was almost in despair then: "Shall I ever succeed in painting what I admire so much?" Now I no longer despair, now I can capture those farmers and women better; and working on with patience, I can now succeed to a certain extent. But I am sorely oppressed by the way things are going and can no longer think of those magazines with pleasure and enthusiasm. The Graphic neglects to say that many in the group of artists refuse to give their work, and withdraw more and more. Why? because a painter paints to do some good and has some sincerity in his heart which despises all that grandeur. What more shall I say?… I can only repeat, "Que faire!"

Of course, I continue to work, but conscious of a dark future.

Letter 252
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
Back to The Way of Vincent: Making art no matter what