Verified excerpt
Letter 805 · about 20 September 1889
Every cloud gives more time for study
The sentence appears in the scholarly English translation of letter 805. The shorter form omits only the opening “Yes”.
Popular wording
“Every cloud has a silver lining, it gives one more time for study.”
Documented wording
“Yes, every cloud has a silver lining, it gives one more time for study.”
Context
What the letter actually discusses
Van Gogh writes about dissatisfaction with his work and the need for further figure study. He treats delay as additional time to learn without pretending the setback itself is desirable.
Translation note
The proverb predates Van Gogh. The verified claim is that he used it in this specific letter and added the thought about study.
- Author
- Vincent van Gogh
- Document
- Letter 805
- Recipient
- Theo van Gogh
- Place
- Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
- Date
- about 20 September 1889
Primary source
Read the complete letter in the scholarly edition.
The external link opens Vincent van Gogh: The Letters, published by the Van Gogh Museum and Huygens ING.