© Copyright 2001 R. G. Harrison Letter 494 Arles, 20 �24 May 1888
My dear Theo,
If Gauguin is agreeable, and if there is only the difficulty of removal to get over before we get going, it would be better not to keep him dangling. So I have written, though I hardly had time, as I have two canvases on the easel. If you think the letter clear enough, send it; if not, in case of doubt it’s better to do nothing. And whatever you do for him must not upset your plan of sending for our sister, and above all,
your own needs and mine. For if we cannot keep ourselves in good condition, how can we pretend to lend a hand in other people’s difficulties? But now we are actually on the way to a sound, strenuous life, and so if possible let’s do the work that is nearest.
I send enclosed a sample of canvas for Tasset, but I do not know whether I should go on with his canvas.
If you send me the next letter on Sunday morning, I shall probably take myself off that day to Saintes- Maries to spend a week there. I am reading a book on Wagner which I will send you afterward. What an artist �one like that in painting would be something. It will come.
Do you know this � At 6, Rue Coëllogon, Rue de Rennes,
On the 7th and 8th of June, from 1 to 7 P.M.
Exhibition of pictures and drawings by Régamey.
It might be very interesting, as they travelled everywhere, he and his brother.
A handshake,
Ever yours, Vincent
I believe in the victory of Gauguin and the other artists, but it’s a long time between then and now, and although he may have the luck to sell one or two canvases, it would be just the same. Meanwhile Gauguin may croak like Méryon, disheartened; it is bad that he is not working �but we shall see what his answer is.