A microscopic figure of a plowman, a little train passing through the wheat fields; that's the only
life there is in it. Listen, I passed—a few days after my arrival—that place with a painter friend.

There's something that would be boring to do, he said. I said nothing myself, but I found that so
astonishing that I didn't even have the strength to give that idiot a piece of my mind. I go back there,
go back, go back again—well, I've done two drawings of it—of that flat landscape in which there was
nothing but . . . the infinite . . . eternity.

Well—while I'm drawing along comes a chap who isn't a painter but a soldier. I say, "Does it
astonish you that I find that as beautiful as the sea?" Now he knew the sea—that one. "No—it doesn't
astonish me"—he says—"that you find that

© 2007 Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

as beautiful as the sea—but I find it even more beautiful
than the ocean because it's inhabited." Which of the spectators was more the artist, the first or the
second, the painter or the soldier—I myself prefer that soldier's eye. Isn't that true?

Now it's my turn to say to you, reply to me quickly this time by return of post—to let me know
if you agree to make me some sketches of your Breton studies. I have a consignment that's about to
go off, and before it clears off I want to do at least another half a dozen subjects in pen sketches for
you. Having few doubts that you will do it for yours, I'm getting down to work on my side, anyway,
without even knowing if you want to do that. Now, I'll send these sketches to my brother, to urge
him to take something from them for our collection.

© 2007 Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

I've already written to him about that, anyway. But we're working on something that leaves us
absolutely without a sou.

The fact is that Gauguin—who has been very ill—is probably going to spend the coming winter
with me here in the south. And there's the fare, which is worrying us. Once here, well, two together
spend less than one alone. All the more reason why I should like to have some things by you here.
Once Gauguin's here, we'll try to do something together in Marseille, and will probably exhibit there.
Now I'd like to have some things by you, too, although without making you lose opportunities for
selling in Paris. In any case, I don't believe I'm making you lose them by encouraging you to exchange
sketches of painted studies between us. And as soon as I can, we'll do another piece of business as
well, but am quite hard up now. What I'm convinced of is that if we exhibit in Marseille, sooner or
later Gauguin and I will encourage you to join us.

Thomas bought Anquetin's study in the end—the peasant.

I shake your hand firmly, so long, and

Ever yours,
Vincent

© 2007 Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam