Vincent must have walked regularly across the Haagsemarkt in front of the Martinus Church on one of his many walks from Etten. He describes in one of his letters how he enjoyed the beautiful evening light there.
"I also went into the Roman Catholic church where there was evening service, it was a beautiful sight, all those peasants and the peasant women with their black clothes and white hats, and the church looked so friendly by the evening light. (Letter to Theo, Etten December 31, 1876)"
Vincent often came on foot to Princenhage from Etten, where his father was pastor for 7 years. On the way, Vincent asked the farmers and workers to let him draw them. He also drew the trees along the Liesbos, the fields and ditches, the houses and farms. He regularly visited his Uncle Cent and Aunt Cornelie in Huize Mertersem. The art collection of his Uncle Cent and the nature around Princenhage inspired him greatly.
Today, the streets of Breda's Princenhage district pay attention to Vincent van Gogh in various ways. In early September 2019, the redesigned Haagsemarkt will be officially reopened.
