December 23: On This Day in World History … briefly
Their relationship began to deteriorate; van Gogh admired Gauguin and wanted to be treated as his equal, but Gauguin was arrogant and domineering, which frustrated van Gogh
1888: Vincent van Gogh cuts off his earlobe
Dutch Post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh cuts off his earlobe in a fit of madness. He had been staying at Arles in the south of France for some time, painting with his friend and fellow artist Paul Gauguin.
According to Gauguin they quarrelled and the disagreement precipitated an attack of dementia for van Gogh. During this attack of madness, van Gogh, in remorse for having threatened to wound Gauguin with a razor, cut off his own earlobe. He was subsequently placed in the safety of a St Remy asylum.
The exact sequence of events which led to van Gogh’s mutilation of his ear is not known. Gauguin stated, fifteen years later that the night followed several instances of physically threatening behaviour.
Their relationship was complex, and Theo may have owed money to Gauguin, who was suspicious that the brothers were exploiting him financially. It seems likely that van Gogh had realised that Gauguin was planning to leave. The following days saw heavy rain, leading to the two men being shut in the Yellow House.
Gauguin reported that van Gogh followed when Gauguin left the house for a walk, and ‘rushed towards me, an open razor in his hand’. This account is uncorroborated; Gauguin was almost certainly absent from the Yellow House that night, most likely in a hotel.
Most notable historic snippets or facts extracted from the book ‘On This Day’ first published in 1992 by Octopus Publishing Group Ltd, London, as well as additional supplementary information extracted from Wikipedia.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on WhatsApp 082 421 6033
