Chronology

1886-1913
Infancy - The lean years
"I wonder if I can continue because for me it is a continual life of worry, and naturally my art suffers from it."
(PS to Nicolaas Urban circa 1912-14)

1914-1920
The Dutch refuge
"Here I am more than cared for, I have the life of a prince."
(PS to René Massé, 13 April 1914)

1921-1928
Finally appreciated
"In Holland I bought two paintings or rather pastels from a friend of Mr. Pfeiffer Philippe Smit. I feel certain he is the greatest living artist, quite a young man."
(Theodore Pitcairn to his brother Raymond, 8 June 1921)

1929-1939
Thoury–Ferrottes, the happy life
"Day at Philippe's at Thoury ... tea in the large living room ... lunch by candlelight ... delightful atmosphere."
(René Massé, 10 December 1935)

1940-1948
The war - Last years
"I tried to start a large painting, an angel concert, to escape all the painful things that we have been living since the war."
(PS to Nicolaas Urban, 26 September 1942)