If you saw the first painted color studies that I made when I came here to Nuenen [1883] — and the present canvas [1885] — side by side — I think you'd see that as far as color is concerned — things have livened up. I think that the question of the breaking of colors in the relationships of the colors will occupy you too one day. For as an art expert and critic, one must also, it seems to me — be sure of one's ground and have certain convictions. At least for one's own pleasure and to be able to give reasons, and at the same time one must be able to explain it in a few words to others, who sometimes turn to someone like you for enlightenment when they want to know something more about art.

Vincent refers to his famous painting 'Potato Eaters - Letter #0497 to Theo (Amsterdam, 30 April 1885)