Should one so much as waver
Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh, from Nuenen, 30 April 1885
As for Durand-Ruel - though he didn't consider the drawings worth bothering with, do show him this painting. Let him think it ugly, I don't mind - but let him have a look at it all the same, let people see that we put some effort into our endeavors. No doubt you'll hear "What a daub!" Be prepared for that, as I am prepared myself. Yet we must go on providing something genuine and honest.
Painting peasant life is a serious business, and I for one would blame myself if I didn't try to make pictures that give rise to serious reflection in those who think seriously about art and life.
Millet, De Groux, so many others, have set an example of character by turning a deaf ear to such taunts as "nasty, crude, filthy, stinking", etc., etc., so it would be a disgrace should one so much as waver. No, one must paint peasants as if one were one of them, as if one felt and thought as they do. Being unable to help what one actually is.
Letter 404
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
Back to The Way of Vincent: Making art no matter what
As for Durand-Ruel - though he didn't consider the drawings worth bothering with, do show him this painting. Let him think it ugly, I don't mind - but let him have a look at it all the same, let people see that we put some effort into our endeavors. No doubt you'll hear "What a daub!" Be prepared for that, as I am prepared myself. Yet we must go on providing something genuine and honest.
Painting peasant life is a serious business, and I for one would blame myself if I didn't try to make pictures that give rise to serious reflection in those who think seriously about art and life.
Millet, De Groux, so many others, have set an example of character by turning a deaf ear to such taunts as "nasty, crude, filthy, stinking", etc., etc., so it would be a disgrace should one so much as waver. No, one must paint peasants as if one were one of them, as if one felt and thought as they do. Being unable to help what one actually is.
Letter 404
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
Back to The Way of Vincent: Making art no matter what
Labels: calling, negative reaction, other, work
1 Comments:
Vincent is referring to Charles de Groux (1825-1870), "who emphasized the poverty of rural people," not Henri de Groux (1867-1930).
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