1. Vincent refers again here to Theo’s letter (cf. letter 481), in which he expressed his ‘mistrust’: see letter 473).

2. Vincent had asked for a special issue of this periodical (letter 480), which Theo did in fact send shortly after this (see letter 483).

a. Means: ‘om te maken dat’ (to make me).

3. Van Gogh introduced the comparison ‘Pa II’ in letter 474.

4. Later in the month Mr van Gogh expressed himself frankly to Theo about the difficult relationship with Vincent. Although he said he did not want to burden Theo with the matter, he did inform him of it. On 19 February 1885 he wrote: ‘Pity that Vincent doesn’t join in any more. It’s as if he is increasingly becoming estranged from us ... His short temper prevents any talking and that in itself is enough to prove that he isn’t normal. It’s certainly not easy for me to be passive. And yet previous experience has taught me that one doesn’t win by opposition and it doesn’t improve matters ... We feel so sorry for him; because such a relationship can’t give him any pleasure. We place our hope in God and pray for light and wisdom and for him, oh if only it could be! some happiness in life. But I mustn’t burden you too much.’ In a postscript written the following day he added: ‘I did speak to Vincent again this morning after all. He was quite responsive and said that there was nothing in particular to make him feel depressed – We will just have to wait and see’ (FR b2267).