The Letter From Vincent van Gogh to Wilhelmina_17

W17 Saint-Rémy, 4 January 1890

My dear sister,

Just a few words to tell you that I am greatly pleased to know that you are in Paris with Theo and Jo. And it is not necessary to say that I think of you all every day.

Fortunately another rather violent attack of exaltation or delirium is at an end and, if I may so say, I don’t feel any after-effects at all; I feel the same as I do on ordinary days. And tomorrow I shall start working again if the weather permits. Today we are having very mild weather with spring sunshine, so to speak.

Yesterday, while taking a walk, I saw chicory in bloom already in the meadows, and soon the daisies and violets will follow. I think the winter here very beautiful and absolutely the same as the North, only a little clearer.

I sent a number of pictures to Paris yesterday. 2 I designated the one with the olive trees for you and Mother. You will see, I think, that in a white frame it will take on a mild colour, meaning the contrast between pink and green.

Within a short time I shall send you some others, of mountains, and a view of the garden here with tall pines; they are drying at the moment.

I will not write more today, for this letter has got to go off. I am very pleased that you are there, and I hope that the great event will have a happy outcome for Jo.

See you soon.

Yours, Vincent

1. Written in French.

2. See letter 621 to Theo.