Van Gogh in

Edouard Francq

After the Belgian evangelism committee refused to extend his contract as a lay preacher, Vincent moved to the village of Cuesmes, where he found lodging with the preacher Edouard Joseph Francq (1819–1902). It must have been a difficult time for Vincent. He had failed at his work once again, embarrassing and confusing his family and himself. Relations must have become strained, for Theo and Vincent stopped corresponding for nearly one year. Fascinated by the Borinage and the characters he saw around him, Vincent drew frequently:

“Often sit up drawing until late at night to have some keepsakes and to strengthen thoughts that automatically spring to mind upon seeing the things.” Read the complete letter

Vincent received a paint box and sketchbook from his old boss Tersteeg in 1879, and in no time the sketchbook was half-full. Little is known about Vincent’s stay with the Francqs or its duration due to an absence of letters and other sources.