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Who cut off Van Gogh's ear?
23/07/2001 13:52 - (SA)
Herman Jansen, Beeld
London - Art history's most famous self-mutilation incident might never have occurred?
Impressionist Vincent van Gogh may not have cut off his ear in a moment of
lunacy after all - his friend and co-artist Paul Gauguin probably did it
with a sword during a drunken brawl.
This new cast on the events comes from German art historian Rita Wildegans
in a book soon to be published. Wildegans carefully researched the events in Arles in the south of France over the Christmas period of 1888, analysing police documents.
"Of course I cannot unequivocally say my theory is the truth," the art
expert told The Sunday Times on Sunday. "However, when all the small details are brought into account, proof seems overwhelming. Everything we know of the incident, is Gauguin's account. And he was a liar of note."
Gauguin was a hothead with a passion for fencing. The relationship between
Gauguin (40) and Van Gogh (35) soon deteriorated. One night while
overindulging on liquor, a serious disagreement broke out and later resulted in violence.
The police were called to Van Goghs apartment on the morning before
Christmas day. He was lying in his bed, his head covered in bloodied sheets. The police assumed he was dead and wanted to arrest Gauguin. He however, begged them to try and wake up Van Gogh.
Gauguin later said he saw Van Gogh walking through the streets of Arles
carrying the razor he had used to sever his ear, without mentioning a single word about his first statement to the police.
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