Vincent Van Gogh 72 - De Bock

During Vincent's stay in The Hague And his frequent visits to the Goupils, Vincent met few other artistes besides His cousin Mauve and Mijnheer Tersteeg. One such interesting artiste was De Bock. Vincent and De Bock became friends, Began to meet for coffee, cakes and cigars, And discuss their respective art work at length Vincent and De Bock were like two opposite poles. De Bock was a rich man, educated in England, He spoke eloquently with refined, polished manners. He seemed very cool and unperturbed by anything. Looking at him, most people would call him An affable, charming man! He was casual in his ways And easy to deal with. The best description would be: "His mouth was exactly as long as his nostrils were wide." De Bock invited Vincent for a pot of coffee with him. He wanted to show his recent paintings that had Impressed Tersteeg and was being sold by the Goupils. When Vincent entered his aristocratic, posh house, Adorned with expensive furniture and furnishings, Of velvet curtains, silken carpets and satin cushions, Vincent felt he had entered a glittering palace. While his house in comparison was like a poor hut. Vincent looked at De Bock's painting of a landscape, Through the blue smoke of De Bocks's expensive cigar, While De Bock waited eagerly for a favourable review. Vincent's sharp, penetrating eyes scrutinized his work. His immediate reaction was that DeBock's work Lacked something vital. The landscape looked good But it lacked intensity. There was no substance! Just like De Bock! Thought Vincent, So casual! Clutching on to the tea cup, Vincent said: "There's only one thing I am not sure I like About this canvas." Unruffled by Vincent's remark: De Bock asked: "What was it you didn't care for? " "Your figures. They don't seem authentic." Replied Vincent. "Your work is ahead of mine, besides you're an accepted artiste. But will you permit me to offer just one word of friendly criticism? Your painting lacks passion! " A Biographical Poem