Vincent van Gogh’s act of cutting off his ear is one of the most infamous and debated moments in art history. While the commonly accepted narrative points towards a self-mutilation fueled by mental illness, new theories suggest a more complex and perhaps less solitary truth behind this dramatic event.
Historians Hans Kaufmann and Rita Wildegans have delved into witness accounts and letters from both Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin, offering a compelling alternative perspective. Their research suggests that the incident may not have been a purely self-inflicted act of madness, but rather a consequence of the tumultuous relationship between the two artists.
Alt text: Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear by Vincent van Gogh, showcasing the artist’s bandaged injury.
The conventional story often attributes the ear-cutting incident to Van Gogh’s deteriorating mental state, culminating in a moment of profound psychological distress. However, Kaufmann and Wildegans propose that the events leading up to December 23, 1888, involved a significant confrontation with Paul Gauguin, who had been living and working alongside Van Gogh in Arles for nine months.
According to their findings, the tension between Van Gogh and Gauguin reached a breaking point when Gauguin announced his plans to leave Arles and return to Paris. This news deeply upset Van Gogh, who cherished their artistic partnership and personal bond. The historians suggest that a heated argument ensued, possibly escalating outside a brothel.
Alt text: Portrait of Paul Gauguin, the fellow artist and friend of Vincent van Gogh who was present during the ear incident.
Adding a dramatic twist, Kaufmann and Wildegans highlight Gauguin’s known skill as a fencer. They theorize that during the argument, Gauguin, possibly in self-defense or accidentally in the heat of the moment, may have wielded his blade and severed part of Van Gogh’s ear.
Interestingly, the historians point to a “pact of silence” between the two artists following the incident. They believe Van Gogh, deeply fond of Gauguin and perhaps blaming himself for the altercation, chose to protect his friend by concealing the true nature of the injury. This selfless act, rooted in Van Gogh’s complex personality and devotion to friendship, could explain the enduring mystery surrounding why Van Gogh cut off his ear.
While the exact circumstances may remain shrouded in ambiguity, this alternative theory offers a compelling reason to reconsider the traditional narrative and explore the dynamics of Van Gogh’s relationship with Gauguin in understanding this pivotal moment in art history.
