My brother Jaap was born as a painter, which means he really enjoyed it. (translation from original Dutch, Fons Heijnsbroek, 2018)

Quote of Matthijs c. 1890; in Jacob Maris (1837-1899), M. van Heteren and others; as cited in 'Ik denk in mijn materie', in exhibition catalog of Teylers Museum Museum Jan Cunen), Zwolle 2003, p. 29 | his remark shortly after Jacob's death, from London where Matthijs lived for many years