Shakespeare Fans discussion

Whilst reading Van Gogh's letters written from the asylum in Saint-Remy I came across this quote from a letter Van Gogh wrote to his younger sister Willemien. I'd like to share this with you:

"I’m quite absorbed in reading the Shakespeare that Theo sent me here, where at last I’ll have the calm necessary to do a little more difficult reading. I’ve first taken the kings series, of which I’ve already read Richard II, Henry IV, Henry V and a part of Henry VI – as these dramas were the most unfamiliar to me. Have you ever read King Lear?11 But anyway, I think I shan’t urge you too much to read such dramatic books when I myself, returning from this reading, am always obliged to go and gaze at a blade of grass, a pine-tree branch, an ear of wheat, to calm myself.

So if you want to do as artists do, gaze upon the white and red poppies with the bluish leaves, with those buds raising themselves up on stems with gracious curves. The hours of trouble and battle will assuredly come and find us without our going to look for them." [Letter 785, 2 July 1889]

Oh this was interesting, thanks for posting!

You're welcome!

Van Gogh mentioned Shakespeare in 21 more letters. His entire correspondence can be freely accessed online on www.vangoghletters.org. Type in 'Shakespeare' in advanced search and ... enjoy!
best wishes, Liesbeth Heenk.

Van Gogh writes beautifully himself.