On this day in history, Dec. 23, 1888, Dutch impressionist Vincent van Gogh cut off his ear. The incident, which took place in the artist’s home in Arles, France, has long been shrouded in mystery and speculation.
According to some accounts, van Gogh was in the midst of a severe mental health crisis at the time of the incident. He had been struggling with depression and hallucinations for years, and had recently been admitted to an asylum in nearby Saint-Rémy. Some believe that the ear cutting was a sign of the artist’s deteriorating mental state, and that he may have even been experiencing a psychotic episode at the time.
Others, however, see the ear cutting as a more calculated act. Van Gogh had a tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Paul Gauguin, and some believe that the ear cutting may have been a way for van Gogh to express his frustration and anger towards Gauguin. Whatever the true reason behind the incident, it is clear that van Gogh was in a deeply troubled state at the time.
Despite the disturbing nature of the ear cutting incident, van Gogh’s work has continued to be celebrated and admired by art lovers around the world. His vibrant, expressive paintings are considered some of the greatest masterpieces of the impressionist movement, and his enduring legacy as an artist remains unchanged by the events of that fateful day in 1888.
