"It is with the reading of books the same as with looking at pictures; one must, without doubt, without hesitations, with assurance, admire what is beautiful"
Vincent van Gogh
Van Gogh was a prolific reader, and this photo is inspired by Study for 'Romans Parisiens' his painting of his collection of modern French novels by authors such as Victor Hugo, Honoré de Balzac, Emile Zola and Guy de Maupassant. You can see the painting here:
https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/collection/s0021V1962
