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)