Radical renewal
Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh, from Drenthe, 29 October 1883
To me painting is too logical, too reasonable, too straightforward to allow me personally ever to change my course. Besides, you yourself helped me realize the idea of a handicraft, and I know that basically it is your idea too, so I think we ought to cooperate from now on.
My reason, my conscience, compel me to tell you what is partially your own view too; there is nothing to fall back on but a radical renewal.
I do not wish to flatter you, all right, I do not flatter. As to rousing your courage, yes, I dare to, I dare rouse the very highest courage and serenity in you, but only as regards painting.
As far as I can see, going on in Paris, even if you were able to stick it out for many years, will not grant you peace, and there would not be so much opportunity for being as useful to others as if you were a painter.
Letter 337
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
Back to The Way of Vincent: Making art no matter what
To me painting is too logical, too reasonable, too straightforward to allow me personally ever to change my course. Besides, you yourself helped me realize the idea of a handicraft, and I know that basically it is your idea too, so I think we ought to cooperate from now on.
My reason, my conscience, compel me to tell you what is partially your own view too; there is nothing to fall back on but a radical renewal.
I do not wish to flatter you, all right, I do not flatter. As to rousing your courage, yes, I dare to, I dare rouse the very highest courage and serenity in you, but only as regards painting.
As far as I can see, going on in Paris, even if you were able to stick it out for many years, will not grant you peace, and there would not be so much opportunity for being as useful to others as if you were a painter.
Letter 337
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
Back to The Way of Vincent: Making art no matter what
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