Letter T3a Arles, 13 November 1888
[Letterhead]
Goupil & Co.
Boussod Valadon & Cie.
Successeurs 19 Boulevard Montmartre Paris Adr. télégr.: Boussoval Paris 13 November 1888
Dear Mr. Gauguin,
It will probably please you to learn that your pictures are having a great success. Even before I received my brother’s letters I had them mounted on adjustable stretchers, and for showing the size 30 canvases I have taken a very fine white frame of unpainted wood, in which they show up very well. Degas is so enthusiastic about your works that he is speaking about them to a lot of people, and he is going to buy the canvas representing a spring landscape, with a meadow with two female figures in the foreground, the one sitting and the other standing.
Now there are two canvases definitely sold. One is in the uptight landscape with two dogs in a meadow, the other one a pool by the side of the road. As there is a combination of exchange, I am quoting that first one net for you at 375 francs, and the other one at 225 francs. I could also sell the ring of Breton girls, but there will have to be a small retouch. The hand of the little girl which almost touches the frame acquires an importance it doesn’t seem to have when you look at the picture as a whole. The would-be buyer wants you to revise the shape of that hand a little, but without altering anything else whatever in the picture. It seems to me that this will not be difficult for you, and so I am sending you the canvas. He will give 500 francs for the picture all complete with a frame that will cost nearly 100 francs. Please consider whether you can comply with his wishes, and whether you want to close the bargain.
For the picture sold recently I have deducted 15 per cent, which is the minimum commission the firm takes. Many painters accord us 25 per cent. If we can manage to achieve somewhat regular sales, I must beg you to do the same,
if you are willing. In that case it is easier to bring off exchanges or sales on credit. Please let me know your opinion on the subject.
I was happy to hear that you are getting on well together, and that you have been able to start work immediately. I should like to be with you two. Is your health improving now?
A hearty handshake and cordially yours,
T. van Gogh