Vincent van Gogh and Andries Bonger to Theo van Gogh. Paris, on or about Wednesday, 18 August 1886.

on or about Wednesday, 18 August 1886

Metadata

Source status: Original manuscript

Location: Amsterdam, Van Gogh Museum, inv. no. b500 V/1962

Date: Theo is in the Netherlands, but we do not know the precise dates of his trip. In any event the visit took place in August 1886, because he returned to Paris on 26 August (FR b1844). Theo usually had two weeks holiday, starting at the weekend. This would mean that he could not have set out any earlier than the weekend of 14 August. Since his letter from the Netherlands arrived in Paris this morning (l. 1*) and he was able to report on conversations he had had, at least a few days of his stay must already have elapsed. We have therefore dated the letter on or about Wednesday, 18 August 1886.

Additional: Vincent and Andries Bonger both wrote to Theo; Bonger read Vincents letter and referred to its contents in his own letter, written on the same sheet.

Original [1r:1] Waarde Theo, Van morgen ontvingen wij1 Uw schrijven. En vinden dat het al heel mooi is dat ge de zaak hebt

1 Theo was staying in the Netherlands. His letter was addressed to Vincent and Andries Bonger2. At that time Andries was living at 80 rue dHauteville (FR b1030), but he was staying with Vincent at 54 rue Lepic, as we learn from a letter to his parents3 (Paris, Friday 27 August 1886): My invalids (Vincent van Gogh also fell ill during Theos absence) have hindered me from writing. Otherwise I should have thanked you much sooner for the warmth of the reception you gave Theo. He was in raptures over his stay with you (he got back Thursday morning). It also pleases me greatly that he is to your liking. The longer one gets to know him, the more one learns to appreciate his fine mind. He is always entertaining company. I slept at the apartment while he was away, because Vincent was alone. ... I now go to eat with Van Gogh every evening as a permanent thing. It does take up a lot of time, since he lives in Montmartre, and the evenings are now taken up altogether, but its more pleasant for us both. The three of us always have plenty to talk about (FR b1844). The flat on the third floor had three reasonably large rooms, a tiny study and a little kitchen. ... Vincent slept in the study, and behind that was the studio, an ordinary room with one not particularly large window, wrote Jo van Gogh-Bonger4 in her introduction to Brieven 1914, p. xlvii.

1 2 Vincent van Gogh and Andries Bonger to Theo van Gogh. Paris, on or about Wednesday, 18 August 1886. geentameerd en het ijs gebroken in zoover ge er met de Hollandsche heeren over gesproken hebt &c.5 En mijn elle sera la vapeur zie ik nog niet in dat onjuist is, daar ik zelf dat la vapeur zijn in t verschiet zie en op staanden voet slechts in zoover dat onze energie la vapeur moet wezen. In t verschiet zie ik t wel . En wat op staanden voet aangaat, ge herinnert U nog dat ik U zeide: Vang desnoods deze keer bot, maar dan is er vast eens over gesproken en dan moet er een tweeden togt naar Holland van Bonger en U zamen overheen. Voorloopig is er alle reden om met vader Pangloss te zeggen, tout est pour le mieux dans le meilleur des mondes. 11 Maar nu, kerel, de oplossing van het vraagstuk S. 13 die ge in Uw brief van heden geeft, n.l. Zij er uit of ik er uit, zou heel kort, bondig en afdoend wezen als het uitvoerbaar was. Doch gij zult op moeielijkheden stuiten die Bonger en ik dezer dagen onder de oogen hadden en waar wij ons uiterste best op doen om er licht in te krijgen. Die moeielijkheden zijn anders dan ge denkt maar het is nu t moment niet in details te treden; wij zullen U er alles van vertellen als ge terugkomt. Dat gij niet bij S. en S. niet bij U hoort is dunkt me vast en zeker. en dat het dus uitgemaakt moet worden ook maar hoe? Het is goed dat gij U er op voor- bereid houdt dat de zaak misschien niet kan afgemaakt worden op de door U voorgestelde wijze, daar door haar te brusqueeren ge haar lijnregt of tot zelfmoord zoudt kunnen brengen of haar gek maken, waarvan de terugwerking op uw zelf natuurlijk triest zou zijn en U voor altijd zou kunnen knakken.[1v:2] Geen ongelukken dus s.v.p. Nu heb ik tegen Bonger ook gezegd wat ik tot U zeide, dat ge haar aan een ander moest zien over te doen, en tegen Bonger heb ik ten volle gezegd hoe ik het voelde dat een arrangement lamiable dat vrij wel voor de hand ligt, is dat ge haar overdoet aan mij. Zooveel is zeker,

5 Theo used his stay in the Netherlands to try to get support for his plans to set up his own art gallery with Andries Bonger6. He talked to his Uncle Vincent7, but his uncle saw no merit in the idea. We do not know who else is meant by the Dutch gentlemen, but it is reasonable to assume that he also spoke to H.G. Tersteeg8. On the basis of Vincents remark about Uncle Cor9 and Uncle Vincent in letter 659 we can assume that Theo approached Uncle Cor too. A year later, on 26 July 1887, Theo was to write to Jo Bonger10 about his uncles reaction: I had several artists in mind whose work I admired and with whom I was sure I could do business. Andr shared my views and we arranged that I would approach my uncle, who had once promised to help me, to get the money we needed to carry out our plan and start a business together. My uncle refused to help and fobbed me off, kindly at first, but later, when I persisted, quite firmly. Andrs attempts to raise funds were no more successful. For a while I was bitterly disappointed, so much so that I fell ill. See Brief happiness 1999, pp. 63-64, letter 1. 11 These words are quoted from the philosopher Pangloss in Voltaire12s Candide (1759), where they occur re- peatedly. The novel tells the story of the journey of the young, open-minded Candide, who is driven out of the palace where he lives. He has learned from the household philosopher Pangloss that he lives in the best possible world: Tout est pour le mieux dans le meilleur des mondes. During his wanderings Candide encounters a great deal of misery (so that he begins to have doubts), but nonetheless in the end he calls for fortitude with the cry: we must cultivate our own garden (il faut cultiver notre jardin). Later in the correspondence, Van Gogh quotes Panglosss maxim about the best of all possible worlds several times more. However he interprets it as a genuine exhortation to be optimistic; the irony with which Voltaire put these words into the quasi-philosophers mouth largely escapes him. 13 At this time Theo had a relationship with a woman referred to only as S14, about whom nothing further is known. Vincent van Gogh and Andries Bonger to Theo van Gogh. Paris, on or about Wednesday, 18 August 1886. 3 indien zoowel gij als zijzelve er in berusten wildet dan ben ik bereid S. van U over te nemen, liefst echter zonder haar te trouwen doch als t beter uitkomt dan zelfs met een mariage de raison. Ik schrijf U dit kortaf opdat gij vr Uw terugkomst nog tijd zoudt hebben er eens over te denken. Daar zij zoodoende het huishouden zou kunnen doen en daar zij zich zelf bedruipt door haar werk, ware t voor U eer eene bezuiniging dan andersom. Lucie15 heeft haar cong, ik heb haar gezegd dat gij er niet mede zoudt doorgaan omdat het te duur uitkwam, maar haar aangehouden tot Uw terugkomst omdat gij dan kunt beslissen hoe t huishouden wezen zal, en ingeval die beslissing niet den eersten besten dag genomen kan worden is t welligt wenschelijk tot er beslist is met S. het huishouden op den zelfden voet te laten wat Lucie betreft. Kondt gij zelf in dit arrangement treden dan zie ik als eerste gevolg voor U er in dat gij U geheel vrij man zoudt voelen en uw eigen engagement17 la vapeur zou gaan. Goeden moed en bedaardheid. Wat het werk betreft, ik heb een pendant voor die bouquet die ge bij U hebt, 20 verder een tak witte lelies wit, rose, groen tegen zwart, in den geest van een zwart japansch verlakt24 met parelmoer ingelegd, die ge kent dan een tak oranje tijgerlelies tegen blaauw fond, dan een bouquet daliahs, violet tegen geel fond, en Roode glaeuls in een blaauwen vaas tegen licht geel.25 Bonger is bezig te lezen au Bonheur des dames26 en ik heb gelezen Bel ami van Guy de Maupassant. 28 [1v:3] Weet ge dat en Bonger en S. hier slapen en het zijn curieuse dagen, soms zijn we erg, erg bang voor haar en soms zijn we almagtig vrolijk en opgewekt. Maar S. is geducht gederangeerd. en het is nog lang niet over. Dat het echter beslist af is tusschen U en haar zult ge weerkeerig pas voelen als ge elkaar terug ziet en ge hoeft dus niet te vreezen ge er weer aan vast raakt. Maar gij moet veel met haar praten en haar zien te bezorgen. Denk er over na in den tusschentijd van nu en dat ge weer terugkomt, aux grands maux les grands remdes.30 Bonger schrijft hier zeker bij, tenzij hij heden U van zijn kantoor uit schrijft.31 Groeten thuis,

15 Lucie16 was evidently the domestic help in Theos apartment. 17 This remark appears to indicate that Theo had told his brother about his feelings for Jo Bonger18, whom he had met for the first time a year earlier, on 7 August 1885. Andries Bonger19 was also aware of them, as emerges from Theos first letter to Jo; see Brief happiness 1999, pp. 63-64. 20 Theo had taken a flower still life by Vincent with him on his trip to show it (or sell it?) possibly to his uncles21 or to H.G. Tersteeg22 or to use as an exchange for two watercolours by Isabey23 (see n. 14 below). The works in question cannot be identified. 24 Japanese lacquer, an artistically lacquered object. 25 The four works described here cannot be identified. Van Gogh painted new scenes on top of several still lifes, and that might be what happened with these. See cat. Amsterdam 2011. 26 See for Zola27s Au bonheur des dames : letter 333, n. 35, and letter 464, n. 2 ff. 28 Guy de Maupassant29, Bel-ami (1885). The protagonist is George Duroy who, on his return from military service in Algeria, is in danger of descending into a life of poverty until a childhood friend helps find him a job on a newspaper. As well as amorous intrigues in mondaine circles this later results in a political career. Duroys nickname is Bel-ami. 30 Saying. 31 4 Vincent van Gogh and Andries Bonger to Theo van Gogh. Paris, on or about Wednesday, 18 August 1886. met een handdruk. b. t. Vincent De ruil tegen 2 aquarellen Isabey zou ik heel goed vinden, vooral indien het figuren van Isabey zijn.33 Zie er de pendant die ik hier heb bij te ruilen en iets anders er bij te krijgen. Zeg eens, is het onmogelijk de Otto Weber van Prinsenh. te krijgen, die mooie herfst. 35 ik zou daarvoor hun een serie maken van 4 . We hebben meer aan schilderijen dan aan teekeningen. maar doe zoo als het uitkomt. [Continued by Andries Bonger] De fond van Vs redeneering is ook mijne over- tuiging. De kwestie is S. de oogen te openen. Ze is hoegenaamd niet verliefd op je, maar t is alsof je haar behekst hebt. Ze is zedelijk zwaar ziek. Het spreekt dat we haar, in dien toestand, niet aan haar lot hebben kunnen overlaten. We zijn integendeel zoo hartelijk mogelijk voor haar geweest. Zoo we t niet gedaan hadden zou ze waanzinnig geworden zijn. Hetgeen me doet hoopen op haar genezing is hetgeen ze me gisteren avond zei: Que je suis bte de ne pouvoir me faire un raisonnement. Ze schijnt dus wel te gevoelen waaraan t hapert. De groote moeielijkheid is haar koppigheid, waartegen we[1r:4] ons reeds verscheidene malen het hoofd gestoten hebben. Met hardheid is niets aan te vangen. Het is uiterlijk moeielijk voorshands een plan te maken, (dat van Vincent is onuitvoerbaar; dunkt me) maar ik hoop dat je hiervan doordrongen bent dat je haar verkeerd hebt aangepakt; de verhouding van het laatste jaar heeft tot niets geleid dan haar geheel van de wijs te helpen. Het zou misschien nog veel beter geweest zijn geheel met elkar te leven: dan zou ze zelf wel ingezien hebben, dat je volstrekt niet bij elkar pasten. Wanneer ze een maand lang met iemand anders leven kon, die haar zinnen wist te boeien, haar verzorgde (want ze heeft veel zorg noodig) en haar gezondheid wer opfleurde, zou je vergeten zijn. Haar toestand heeft veel van de overspanning van de meeste

Andries Bonger32 worked at the offices of the insurance brokers Geo Wehry in Paris. 33 The Van Gogh brothers had started to build up an art collection together. One way of acquiring works was to swap them for work by Vincent and placing Vincents work elsewhere would also automatically increase the chances of his establishing a reputation. Evidently Theo tried to come by two watercolours by Eugne Isabey34 in this manner while he was in the Netherlands, but this transaction did not take place. See exhib. cat. Amsterdam 1999, p. 161. 35 The sale catalogue of the paintings in Uncle Vincent36s estate lists two works by Otto Weber37: Sous les noyers (Under the walnut trees) (sold for 600 guilders to Van Wisselingh in The Hague; present whereabouts unknown) and Sous les chtaigniers (Under the chestnut trees) (sold for 395 guilders to M.A. van Walcheren in The Hague; present whereabouts unknown). This latter canvas features a beautiful autumn sun (un beau soleil dautomne), so it is probably the work Vincent means. The picture is described as follows: In a wooded Breton landscape three children are sitting at the foot of an old chestnut tree. In a beautiful autumn sunset, which penetrates in a thousand places and casts a bright light over the tree-trunks and the ground, three cows make their way to the cowshed. (Dans un paysage bois en Bretagne trois enfants sont assis au pied dun vieux chtaignier. Au coucher dun beau soleil dautomne, qui pntre en mille endroits et claire vivement les troncs des arbres et le sol, trois vaches prennent le chemin de ltable.) See auct. cat. The Hague 1889, pp. 54-55, cat. nos. 154-155 (Lugt 1938-1987, no. 48116). Vincent van Gogh and Andries Bonger to Theo van Gogh. Paris, on or about Wednesday, 18 August 1886. 5 meisjes in Holland. Het zal niet minder moeielijk zijn S. van de hare te overtuigen, dan rust te brengen in de gemoederen daarginds. Ik vermoed dat je mijn zuster Jo en Annie niet getroffen zult hebben; beiden zijn, meen ik, uit de stad.38 We verlangen beiden te weten hoe de zaken te Amsterdam staan. Veel genoegen deed t me te hooren dat V. thans erkend wordt. Wat een voldoening voor het vaste vertrouwen dat je in hem gehad hebt! Hij heeft een paar heele mooie dingen gemaakt; die op gelen fond doen heel goed. Het ensemble van de bloemenstukken is heel vroolijk en kleurrijk; maar sommige zijn plat, waar van ik hem maar niet overtuigen kan. Hij antwoordt me aldoor: maar ik heb er dat en dat kleurenkontrast in willen brengen. Comme si je ne men fichais pas de ce quil a voulu faire! Schrijf ons wanneer je terug komt. Tracht te komen met vernieuwde lichaamskrachten en een klaren geest en een vasten wil. Ze zijn alle drie noodig. De toestand is anders volstrekt niet hopeloos, maar wel zorgelijk. Spijker gaat maar heel langzaam vooruit.43 Groet je familie van me en geloof me van harte je vrind Bonger

Translation [1r:1] My dear Theo, We47 received your letter this morning. And think that its very good that youve already raised the matter and broken the ice in so far as youve spoken to the Dutch gentlemen about it &c.51

38 In May 1886 Bonger39 had become officially engaged to Anne (Annie) Marie Louise van der Linden40; he had already informed his parents41 of his intentions in October 1885 (FR b1825). Both Annie and his sister Jo42 lived in Amsterdam (Jo at her parents house). See Brief happiness 1999, pp. 14, 21. 43 Very probably Franois Spijker44, a colleague and friend of Bonger45s in Paris. He is mentioned repeatedly in the correspondence between Andries and Jo46, as well as in letters between Jo and Theo (FR b1824; b1832; b1843; b1029; b1846; b1034; b4285; b4286; b4290 and b4302). There is no Spijker listed in the Paris directories, and the Archives de la Prfecture de Police contain no data on the registration of foreigners prior to 1900. Cf. exhib. cat. Paris 1988, p. 367. 47 Theo was staying in the Netherlands. His letter was addressed to Vincent and Andries Bonger48. At that time Andries was living at 80 rue dHauteville (FR b1030), but he was staying with Vincent at 54 rue Lepic, as we learn from a letter to his parents49 (Paris, Friday 27 August 1886): My invalids (Vincent van Gogh also fell ill during Theos absence) have hindered me from writing. Otherwise I should have thanked you much sooner for the warmth of the reception you gave Theo. He was in raptures over his stay with you (he got back Thursday morning). It also pleases me greatly that he is to your liking. The longer one gets to know him, the more one learns to appreciate his fine mind. He is always entertaining company. I slept at the apartment while he was away, because Vincent was alone. ... I now go to eat with Van Gogh every evening as a permanent thing. It does take up a lot of time, since he lives in Montmartre, and the evenings are now taken up altogether, but its more pleasant for us both. The three of us always have plenty to talk about (FR b1844). The flat on the third floor had three reasonably large rooms, a tiny study and a little kitchen. ... Vincent slept in the study, and behind that was the studio, an ordinary room with one not particularly large window, wrote Jo van Gogh-Bonger50 in her introduction to Brieven 1914, p. xlvii. 51 Theo used his stay in the Netherlands to try to get support for his plans to set up his own art gallery with Andries Bonger52. He talked to his Uncle Vincent53, but his uncle saw no merit in the idea. We do not know who else is meant by the Dutch gentlemen, but it is reasonable to assume that he also spoke to H.G. Tersteeg54. On the basis of Vincents remark about Uncle Cor55 and Uncle Vincent in letter 659 we can assume that Theo approached Uncle Cor too. A year later, on 26 July 1887, Theo was to write to Jo Bonger56 about his uncles reaction: I had several artists in mind whose work I admired and with whom I was sure I could do business. Andr shared my views and we arranged that I would approach my uncle, who had once promised to help me, to get the money we needed to carry out our plan and start a business together. My uncle refused to help and fobbed me off, kindly at first, but later, when I persisted, quite firmly. Andrs attempts to raise funds were no more successful. For a while I was bitterly disappointed, so much so that I fell ill. See Brief happiness 1999, pp. 63-64, letter 1. 6 Vincent van Gogh and Andries Bonger to Theo van Gogh. Paris, on or about Wednesday, 18 August 1886.

And I dont yet see that my itll go full steam ahead is wrong, since I myself can see that full steam ahead is in prospect and right now only in so far as our energy must be at full steam ahead. I do see it in prospect. And as to right now, you still remember that I said to you: come away empty-handed this time if need be, but then at least it has been discussed and then there will have to be a second trip to Holland by Bonger57 and you together. For the time being theres every reason to say, with pre Pangloss, all is for the best in the best of possible worlds.58 But now, old chap, the solution to the S.60 question61 that you give in your letter of today, thats to say Either she goes or I go, would be very short, sweet and conclusive if it were practicable. But youll run up against difficulties that Bonger63 and I have been facing these last few days, and which were doing our utmost best to shed light on. These difficulties are different from what you think, but now isnt the time to go into details: well tell you all about it when you get back. That you dont belong with S.64 nor S. with you is absolutely certain, it seems to me. And that it has to be finished, too but how? Its a good thing for you to be prepared that the affair perhaps cannot be ended in the way you suggest, because by rushing her you could simply either provoke her to suicide or send her mad, and the effect of that on you would be tragic, of course, and could shatter you for ever.[1v:2] So no accidents please. Now Ive also told Bonger65 what I told you, that youll have to pass her on to someone else, and I told Bonger at length how I saw it that an amicable arrangement which is virtually self-evident is that you pass her on to me. This much is certain, if both you and she were willing to accept it, then Im prepared to take S.66 over from you, preferably, though, without marrying her, but if it works out better then even with a marriage of convenience. Im writing this to you in a few words so that youd still have time to think about it before your return. Since this way she could do the housekeeping, and since she can support herself by her work, it would be an economy for you rather than the other way round. Lucie67 68 has been given notice; I told her that you wouldnt go on with it because it worked out too expensive, but kept her on until your return because you can then decide how the housekeeping will be, and in the event that this decision cant be taken straightaway its probably advisable to keep the housekeeping on the same footing as regards Lucie until something is decided with S. If you could enter into this arrangement yourself, then I see as the first consequence for you that you would feel yourself an entirely free man and your own engagement70 would go full steam

57 Andries (Andr or Dries) Bonger (1861-1936) friend of Theo in Paris, brother of Jo van Gogh-Bonger 58 These words are quoted from the philosopher Pangloss in Voltaire59s Candide (1759), where they occur re- peatedly. The novel tells the story of the journey of the young, open-minded Candide, who is driven out of the palace where he lives. He has learned from the household philosopher Pangloss that he lives in the best possible world: Tout est pour le mieux dans le meilleur des mondes. During his wanderings Candide encounters a great deal of misery (so that he begins to have doubts), but nonetheless in the end he calls for fortitude with the cry: we must cultivate our own garden (il faut cultiver notre jardin). Later in the correspondence, Van Gogh quotes Panglosss maxim about the best of all possible worlds several times more. However he interprets it as a genuine exhortation to be optimistic; the irony with which Voltaire put these words into the quasi-philosophers mouth largely escapes him. 60

61 At this time Theo had a relationship with a woman referred to only as S62, about whom nothing further is known. 63 Andries (Andr or Dries) Bonger (1861-1936) friend of Theo in Paris, brother of Jo van Gogh-Bonger 64

65 Andries (Andr or Dries) Bonger (1861-1936) friend of Theo in Paris, brother of Jo van Gogh-Bonger 66

67

68 Lucie69 was evidently the domestic help in Theos apartment. 70 This remark appears to indicate that Theo had told his brother about his feelings for Jo Bonger71, whom he had met for the first time a year earlier, on 7 August 1885. Andries Bonger72 was also aware of them, as emerges from Theos first letter to Jo; see Brief happiness 1999, pp. 63-64. Vincent van Gogh and Andries Bonger to Theo van Gogh. Paris, on or about Wednesday, 18 August 1886. 7 ahead. Courage and composure. As regards the work, I have a pendant for that bouquet that you have with you,73 and also a branch of white lilies white, pink, green against black, in the spirit of black Japanese lacquer77 inlaid with mother-of-pearl that you know then a branch of orange tiger lilies on a blue ground, then a bouquet of dahlias, violet on a yellow ground, and red gladioli in a blue vase on light yellow.78 Bonger79 is reading Au bonheur des dames80 and Ive read Bel-ami by Guy de Maupassant82.83 [1v:3] Do you know that Bonger85 and S. 86are sleeping here, and these are strange days, sometimes were very, very afraid of her, and sometimes were almighty merry and cheerful. But S. is terribly deranged, and its not over by a long shot. Both of you will only feel that its finally finished between you and her87 when you see each other again, and so you dont have to fear that youll get caught again. But youll have to talk to her a lot and try to get her settled. Think about it in the meantime between now and when you come back; serious remedies for serious ills.88 Bonger89 will certainly add something to this, unless he writes to you today from his office.90 Regards to everyone at home, with a handshake. Yours truly, Vincent Id be very pleased with the exchange for 2 Isabey92 watercolours, particularly if theyre figures by Isabey.93 See if you can exchange the pendant I have here as well and get something else as well. Tell me, is it impossible to get the Otto Weber95 from Princenhage, that fine autumn?96 For that

73 Theo had taken a flower still life by Vincent with him on his trip to show it (or sell it?) possibly to his uncles74 or to H.G. Tersteeg75 or to use as an exchange for two watercolours by Isabey76 (see n. 14 below). The works in question cannot be identified. 77 Japanese lacquer, an artistically lacquered object. 78 The four works described here cannot be identified. Van Gogh painted new scenes on top of several still lifes, and that might be what happened with these. See cat. Amsterdam 2011. 79 Andries (Andr or Dries) Bonger (1861-1936) friend of Theo in Paris, brother of Jo van Gogh-Bonger 80 See for Zola81s Au bonheur des dames : letter 333, n. 35, and letter 464, n. 2 ff. 82 Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) French writer 83 Guy de Maupassant84, Bel-ami (1885). The protagonist is George Duroy who, on his return from military service in Algeria, is in danger of descending into a life of poverty until a childhood friend helps find him a job on a newspaper. As well as amorous intrigues in mondaine circles this later results in a political career. Duroys nickname is Bel-ami. 85 Andries (Andr or Dries) Bonger (1861-1936) friend of Theo in Paris, brother of Jo van Gogh-Bonger 86

87

88 Saying. 89 Andries (Andr or Dries) Bonger (1861-1936) friend of Theo in Paris, brother of Jo van Gogh-Bonger 90 Andries Bonger91 worked at the offices of the insurance brokers Geo Wehry in Paris. 92 Louis Gabriel Eugne Isabey (1803-1886) French artist 93 The Van Gogh brothers had started to build up an art collection together. One way of acquiring works was to swap them for work by Vincent and placing Vincents work elsewhere would also automatically increase the chances of his establishing a reputation. Evidently Theo tried to come by two watercolours by Eugne Isabey94 in this manner while he was in the Netherlands, but this transaction did not take place. See exhib. cat. Amsterdam 1999, p. 161. 95 Otto Weber (1832-1888) German artist 96 The sale catalogue of the paintings in Uncle Vincent97s estate lists two works by Otto Weber98: Sous les noyers (Under the walnut trees) (sold for 600 guilders to Van Wisselingh in The Hague; present whereabouts unknown) and Sous les chtaigniers (Under the chestnut trees) (sold for 395 guilders to M.A. van Walcheren in The Hague; present whereabouts unknown). This latter canvas features a beautiful autumn sun (un beau soleil dautomne), so it is probably the work Vincent means. The picture is described as follows: In a wooded Breton landscape three children 8 Vincent van Gogh and Andries Bonger to Theo van Gogh. Paris, on or about Wednesday, 18 August 1886.

I would make a series of 4 for them. Paintings are more use to us than drawings, but do whats convenient. [Continued by Andries Bonger99] Im also convinced of the basis of V.s reasoning. The issue is to open S100.s eyes. Shes not in love with you at all, but its as if youve bewitched her. Morally she is seriously sick. It is obvious that we cant abandon her to her fate in that condition. On the contrary, weve been as cordial towards her as possible. If we hadnt done that she would have gone mad. What makes me hope for her recovery is what she said to me yesterday evening: How stupid of me that I cant think straight. So she does seem to realize where it has gone wrong. The great difficulty is her stubbornness, and [1r:4] weve run up against that several times. Treating her harshly doesnt work. Its extremely difficult to come up with a plan in advance (Vincents is unworkable, in my opinion), but I hope that you realize from this that youve dealt with her the wrong way. The relationship of the past year has done nothing but make her lose her head. It would perhaps have been far better if you had lived together completely, then she would have seen for herself that you absolutely did not belong together. If she could live with someone else for a month who succeeded in fascinating her, who took care of her (for she needs a lot of care) and revived her health, you would be forgotten. Her condition is a lot like the nervous exhaustion of most girls in Holland. It will be no less difficult to convince S. of hers than to calm the emotions over there. I suspect that you wont have seen my sister Jo101 and Annie102; I think both of them are out of town.103 We both long to know how matters stand in Amsterdam. I was very pleased to hear that V. is now getting recognition. What repayment for the steadfast faith that youve had in him! He has made a few very beautiful things; the ones on a yellow ground look very good. The ensemble of flower pieces is very gay and colourful; some, though, are flat, but I just cant persuade him of that. He keeps replying: but I wanted to get this or that colour contrast into it. As if I gave a damn what he wanted to do! Write to tell us when youre coming back. Try to come with renewed vitality and a clear mind and a steadfast will. All three are necessary. The situation otherwise isnt hopeless at all, but it is worrying. Spijker108 is only very slowly getting better.109 My regards to your family, and believe me wholeheartedly your friend Bonger113

are sitting at the foot of an old chestnut tree. In a beautiful autumn sunset, which penetrates in a thousand places and casts a bright light over the tree-trunks and the ground, three cows make their way to the cowshed. (Dans un paysage bois en Bretagne trois enfants sont assis au pied dun vieux chtaignier. Au coucher dun beau soleil dautomne, qui pntre en mille endroits et claire vivement les troncs des arbres et le sol, trois vaches prennent le chemin de ltable.) See auct. cat. The Hague 1889, pp. 54-55, cat. nos. 154-155 (Lugt 1938-1987, no. 48116). 99 Andries (Andr or Dries) Bonger (1861-1936) friend of Theo in Paris, brother of Jo van Gogh-Bonger 100

101 Johanna (Jo or Net) Gezina van Gogh-Bonger (1862-1925) wife of Theo van Gogh 102 Anne (Annie) Marie Louise Bonger-Van der Linden (1859-1931) wife of Andries Bonger 103 In May 1886 Bonger104 had become officially engaged to Anne (Annie) Marie Louise van der Linden105; he had already informed his parents106 of his intentions in October 1885 (FR b1825). Both Annie and his sister Jo107 lived in Amsterdam (Jo at her parents house). See Brief happiness 1999, pp. 14, 21. 108 Franois Spijker (?-after 1890) friend of Theo in Paris 109 Very probably Franois Spijker110, a colleague and friend of Bonger111s in Paris. He is mentioned repeatedly in the correspondence between Andries and Jo112, as well as in letters between Jo and Theo (FR b1824; b1832; b1843; b1029; b1846; b1034; b4285; b4286; b4290 and b4302). There is no Spijker listed in the Paris directories, and the Archives de la Prfecture de Police contain no data on the registration of foreigners prior to 1900. Cf. exhib. cat. Paris 1988, p. 367. 113 Andries (Andr or Dries) Bonger (1861-1936) friend of Theo in Paris, brother of Jo van Gogh-Bonger