1. Van Gogh had been given notification of his dismissal as of 1 April.

2. In 1876 the studio of Mari(n)us or Martinus Boks was possibly still in the Hospice Wallon on Zuid-Oost-Buitensingel (Oranjebuitensingel), then called Uilebomen. Boks was staying in this orphanage. Although the orphans were supposed to leave the orphanage when they turned 21, he was permitted ‘to keep a small studio there after his departure’. See H. Hardenberg, ‘Het Hospice Wallon’, Vereniging ‘die Haghe’. Jaarboek 1964. Ed. H.M. Mensonides. The Hague 1964, pp. 1-20, esp. 16.

a. Meaning: ‘eenzaam, alleen’ (lonely, alone).

3. A saying of Anton Mauve; see letter 17.

4. Job 20:10. A ‘lesson for the day’ (cf. OED, under ‘pericope’) is an edifying text printed on calenders and in booklets for the pious to reflect upon.