IDENTITY
Letter 633 — Speed, Intensity of Thought & Painting in the Mistral
Arles, 1888
Content Summary
On 27 June 1888 at Arles, Van Gogh describes painting rapidly from nature in the mistral and argues for intensity of thought over mere calmness of touch.
CONTEXT
Topics
Working Method, Rapid Execution, Painting from Nature, Mistral, Brushwork, Intensity of Thought, Direct Observation, Arles Practice
Materials & Pigments
Related People
Vincent van Gogh, Émile Bernard, Paul Cézanne
Paintings
Wheatfield with Setting Sun (F465 / JH1473)
RESEARCH
Quotation
Isn’t it rather intensity of thought than calmness of touch that we’re looking for — and in the given circumstances of impulsive work on the spot and from life, is a calm and controlled touch always possible?
Research Focus
The letter clarifies that rapid execution in Van Gogh’s practice could be grounded in concentrated thought and direct engagement with the motif rather than careless handling.
Related Work / Relevance
SOURCES & EVIDENCE
Source Type
Letter
Source
Source Edition
Vincent van Gogh — The Letters, scholarly online edition (Van Gogh Museum / Huygens ING)
Source URL
Evidence Type
Primary Source, Scholarly Annotation
Related Readings