UP Ibalon Bicol: A theory behind Vincent Van Gogh’s ear mutilation

A theory behind Vincent Van Gogh’s ear mutilation

5/08/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

"Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well." ---
Vincent Van Gogh

More than a hundred years after acclaimed post-impressionism artist Vincent Van Gogh (30 March 1853 – 29 July 1890) died, the world is fascinated by his masterworks as much as his troubled life. His mental instability, delusions and beguiling canvas compositions form part of the lore that surrounds his genius. But nobody is clear if painter really cut his ear during a fit of insanity.

In a recent book by Hamburg art historians, an attempt to explain Van Gogh’s surreal loss of his left ear pointed to another artist, Paul Gauguin who was believed to have severed the Dutch painter’s left ear. According to researchers, the two artists wrangled over a prostitute named Rachel during a dispute in France.

Hans Kaufmann of Hamburg University said:

‘To get rid of Van Gogh, who was begging him to stay [in the south of France] Gauguin waved his weapon in the direction of the victim while they were in front of the house of ill repute... The left ear fell. We cannot say if it was deliberate or an accident. In this situation, the protagonists vowed to keep silent. Then Gauguin disappeared, abandoning his friend”--- Mail Online (05/06/09, Stares, L)

After painstaking work, investigators concluded Van Gogh and Gauguin decided to keep the incident for themselves. Van Gogh told the police that it was his demons within that drove him to self-mutilation which many people believe

The artist with a tempestuous life battling sexually transmitted disease, poverty, and lack of artistic recognition during his time committed suicide at the age of 37. He bequeathed the art world with outstanding masterpieces in canvas which include Starry Starry Night, Irises, Sunflowers, and Potato Eaters.=0=

Paul Gauguin (7 June 1848 – 8 May 1903)