“..Tadema wrote me that you both agreed that I must not exhibit these two paintings [which Mesdag painted in 1868-69]; [because] they were not yet complete enough for my reputation in Brussels. That's why I will not exhibit this year in Brussels, for I tell you sincerely that I cannot do better at the moment.. .I had very little pleasure from my exhibited paintings in The Hague; they were hanged badly, so people couldn't almost see them, but what can you do? Suffer and keep your mouth. (translation from original Dutch: Fons Heijnsbroek)”