The famous painter Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) is one of the best known artists of the Impressionist movement. He left behind extraordinary works of art, but many questions about his life remain. Here are five anecdotes about the painter Van Gogh.

1. The painter is named after his stillborn brother

Vincent Van Gogh was the oldest of six children. His parents also had a child who died at birth, whom they named Vincent. When the painter was born his parents decided to give him the same name.

2. The artist offers his ear to his mistress

After a violent argument with the painter Gauguin, Van Gogh cut off his ear in a fit of madness. This is a well-known anecdote, but many people do not know that the painter wrapped his earlobe in a handkerchief and offered it to Rachel. *

*A prostitute with whom he often associated.

3. Van Gogh is also a true poet

Shortly after Vincent’s death, his brother Theo, with whom he had a very close relationship, also died. Throughout their lives, the two brothers maintained a prolific correspondence.

Inheriting the painter’s works and letters, Theo’s widow discovered another of Vincent’s talents: poetry. She therefore decided to publish Van Gogh’s writings.

4. One of his failed paintings found

After two years of expert appraisals, in 2013, the painting entitled “Sunset over Montmajour” was awarded to Van Gogh.

It is one of the works that the painter produced during his heyday in 1888. In his letters to his brother, he mentioned that he had missed this painting.

5. A doubt about who really amputated the painter’s ear

A great deal of information has opened up a debate among historians. Van Gogh’s fits of madness have led to the admission that he amputated his own ear. However, there are also theories that Gauguin knew how to handle weapons. After their dispute, he left the scene to testify to his friend’s threat with a knife. According to sources, one of his swords disappeared from his collection after this incident. These elements cast doubt on the real circumstances of this altercation.

Sources : Larousse, L’histoire de l’Art tome 20

➨ Find us on our networks  Facebook, Instagram et Twitter ! 😀⚡