Be daring like a young man

Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh, from Nuenen, September 1884

If only a number of Mourets would come forward, who would buy and sell in a way different from the old routine, it would be excellent - then there would be more and more work to do. But if no Mourets came forward, then the trade may undergo a complete change because the painters themselves might put it on a new basis by starting permanent exhibitions without the old intermediary. I so much wish you knew and felt how young you are still, if only you would act and be daring like a young man.

If you are no artist in painting then try to be an artist as a dealer like Mouret. As for myself - though at present I am on ne peut plus hard up - yet I feel that within a few years I shall blithely dare to undertake running up much bigger bills for colors and other things. I want to have a lot of work to do - believe me - and I don't intend to be bored - do a great deal or drop dead.

Letter 379
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
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