Why Did Vincent Van Gogh Cut Off His Ear?

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Why Did Vincent van Gogh Cut off His Ear? Van Gogh FAQs

In the fall of 1888 Vincent van Gogh was living and working with the artist Paul Gauguin in the Yellow House in Arles in the south of France.

Just before Christmas 1888 they had a blazing row. During an attack Vincent van Gogh cut off his left ear in utter confusion. He wrapped the ear in a piece of paper and presented it to a prostitute at a local brothel. The next morning police found Vincent at home and took him to hospital.

Recurring attacks

Vincent could later recall nothing about what had happened and he just wanted to forget about it. Unfortunately, he suffered new attacks just a month later. He had to accept he was suffering from a mental condition.

What caused these reccurring attacks? There are many theories, but an all-embracing diagnosis is yet to be found.

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Vincent’s Illness and the Healing Power of Art

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Vincent’s Life

Vincent van Gogh was born in 1853, and he decided to become an artist at the age of 27. This decision changed his life and art history forever. Read more in his biography.

Van Gogh’s Masterpieces

Explore all masterpieces by Vincent van Gogh in the online collection.