The Letters of a Post-Impressionist, trans. Anthony M. Ludovici — letters to his brother Theoletter · written 1885–1888; trans. 1912DirectVerified quotation — claim 01“The busier I am the better; I prefer a piece of work that is a failure to inactivity.” — Vincent van Gogh · trans. Anthony M. Ludovici, 1912
Sources supporting claim 01
The Letters of Vincent van Gogh to his Brother, 1872–1886, Vol. I (Constable / Houghton Mifflin)letter · written 1872–1882; trans. 1927DirectVerified quotation — claim 01“Well, it was even in that deep misery that I felt my energy revive and that I said to myself: in spite of everything I shall rise again, I will take up my pencil, which I have forsaken in my great discouragement, and I will go on with my drawing; and from that moment everything seems transformed for me.” — Vincent van Gogh · trans. J. van Gogh-Bonger, 1927Verified quotation — claim 01“Art demands persistent work, work in spite of everything, and a continuous observation.” — Vincent van Gogh · trans. J. van Gogh-Bonger, 1927