"I received the farrier [painting] in good order. I think the work has improved since I saw it recently in Rotterdam [in Breitner's studio]. You were then hesitating to paint on it again, but now the broad conception has won, and the light has also improved a lot; although I think that you have progressed strongly last year, you need more workmanship in order to call a painting finished in the eyes of us, laymen. (translation from the original Dutch: Fons Heijnsbroek)"