No, this is a rumour which seems to have worked its way into popular culture, but in fact Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) only cut off part of his left ear. In fact it was his lobe that he cut off.
It is the 'ear cutting' episode which has earned him the reputation as a mad painter. He did in fact commit suicide in 1890, which has also helped cement this reputation.
No one actually knows what his illness was. He did undoubtedly experience some episodes of poor mental health, but even today experts are divided as to exactly what his condition was.
Some suggest that it was shizophrenia, syphilis, depression or even alcoholism, brought on by his fondness for the extremely potent drink 'absinthe'.
However, whatever the cause of his illness, he still produced amazing pictures, this despite the fact that he only painted for the last ten years of his life and through that period was often ill.
It is the 'ear cutting' episode which has earned him the reputation as a mad painter. He did in fact commit suicide in 1890, which has also helped cement this reputation.
No one actually knows what his illness was. He did undoubtedly experience some episodes of poor mental health, but even today experts are divided as to exactly what his condition was.
Some suggest that it was shizophrenia, syphilis, depression or even alcoholism, brought on by his fondness for the extremely potent drink 'absinthe'.
However, whatever the cause of his illness, he still produced amazing pictures, this despite the fact that he only painted for the last ten years of his life and through that period was often ill.
