Van Gogh in

Family Haanebeek

During his first period living in The Hague (1869–1873), Vincent was in contact with the Haanebeek family, distant relatives of his. It is likely that he was in love with one of the daughters, Carolina “Caroline” Adolphina Haanebeek (1852–1926). His love was unanswered, however, and in 1873 Caroline married Willem Jacob van Stockum (1846–1900). Vincent’s brother Theo, in turn, fell in love with Caroline’s sister Jannetje “Annet” Haanebeek; to Theo’s great sorrow, she fell ill and died in 1875. Vincent’s warm feelings for Caroline – in spite of her failure to return his love – are evidenced in several letters he sent her and her husband from London. He told them he kept happy memories of evenings with the family at Lange Poten. While living in London, Vincent advised his brother Theo, who had just moved to The Hague:

“often in the evenings to the Van Stockums, Borchers &c. I believe you won’t regret it, you’ll feel much freer as soon as you’ve started this regimen.” Read the complete letter

During his second stay in The Hague (27 November 1881–11 September 1883), however, Vincent rarely mentioned the friends who had played such a prominent role during his first stay.