The discussion begins where Vincent first conceives the idea that Theo would be more in his element as a painter in nature than as an art dealer in a world of insincerity, disinterest and the pursuit of profit. In part as a result of Theo’s reactions, Vincent becomes more and more strongly convinced that he is right, until he eventually agrees with Theo when he suggests ‘letting a little time go by’.

We have relied predominantly on the following data in the reconstruction. First of all there are a few letters with known dates. Then there are (presumed) remittances, resumptions of subjects broached earlier and reactions to Theo’s answers which provide some reference points and indicate the course of the discussion. Finally, repetitions of striking formulations, words and expressions can be a reason for placing letters close to or after one another. Below we give an overview of the dating of the letters in question; we set out the arguments for this dating in the notes to the individual letters.