I certainly believe that the simple landscape which seems less impressive is the nature that is most proper to paint. (translation from original Dutc… - Willem Roelofs

Ships, houses, mills... in one word everything that is made by people must stand upright and be painted with care. This is actually a good presentation compared to other, less symmetrical things, like the trees, skies, etc. It doesn't create the painting, but it certainly strengthen the illusion. It's just like somebody who is neatly dressed, but whose tie is coming off. The windows of a house must be straight, a mill in a pure construction, the blades well-positioned in perspective. (translation from original Dutch: Fons Heijnsbroek)

[intention to make a voyage of discovery through The Netherlands] ... with the aim to apply it as a painter, as well as in my quality of entomologist [specialism, snout beetle] .. .. what parts, provinces or regions of our country [ are] 'least' visited from an entomological point of view ..? (translation from original Dutch: Fons Heijnsbroek)

..every day I can benefit from Mr. B [his teacher, Van de Sande Bakhuyzen ] is another profit.. ..day by day my ambition is growing. (translation from original Dutch: Fons Heijnsbroek)