Vincent van Gogh: Facts, Myths & Last Words
Few artists have had their life story turned into as many sensational headlines as Vincent van Gogh, with truth and myth tangled between the ear-cutting, asylum stays, and mysterious death. This article separates documented facts from popular legend, drawing on sources like the Van Gogh Museum (official museum authority) and scholarly research to answer the most common questions — from what exactly happened that December night in Arles to what he really said on his deathbed.
Born: 30 March 1853, Zundert, Netherlands · Died: 29 July 1890, Auvers-sur-Oise, France · Artworks Created: approximately 2,100 (860 oil paintings, 1,300 watercolors and drawings) · Famous Works: Starry Night, Sunflowers, The Bedroom, Irises · Ear Incident: 23 December 1888
Quick snapshot
- Van Gogh cut off his left ear on 23 December 1888 after a quarrel with Paul Gauguin (Van Gogh Museum FAQ)
- He died on 29 July 1890 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound (Van Gogh Museum)
- Only one painting sold in his lifetime: ‘The Red Vineyard’ (Wikipedia (encyclopedic overview))
- Exact last words: multiple versions exist (Wikipedia)
- Whether the ear was cut completely or partially (debated; later evidence suggests whole ear) (Artlyst (art news site))
- Identity of the woman who received the ear (Wikipedia)
- 23 December 1888: Ear incident in Arles (UC Berkeley Library (academic research))
- 27 July 1890: Self-inflicted gunshot (Van Gogh Museum)
- 29 July 1890: Death in Auvers-sur-Oise (Van Gogh Museum)
- Continued analysis of his 800+ letters for new insights (Van Gogh Museum)
- Major exhibitions planned at the Van Gogh Museum and worldwide
Ten facts, one pattern: Van Gogh’s life was short but intensely productive, marked by both staggering creativity and personal turmoil.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vincent Willem van Gogh |
| Born | 30 March 1853, Zundert, Netherlands (Van Gogh Museum FAQ) |
| Died | 29 July 1890 (aged 37), Auvers-sur-Oise, France (Van Gogh Museum) |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Known For | Painting, drawing, Post-Impressionism |
| Notable Works | Starry Night, Sunflowers, The Bedroom, Irises, The Potato Eaters |
| Years Active | 1880–1890 |
| Siblings | Three sisters, two brothers (including Theo) |
| Cause of Death | Self-inflicted gunshot wound (Van Gogh Museum) |
| Burial | Auvers-sur-Oise municipal cemetery |
The pattern: Van Gogh’s life was short but intensely productive, marked by both staggering creativity and personal turmoil. This table distills his key biographical data.
Why did Van Gogh cut off his ear and who did he give it?
The story is both famous and often misremembered. On the night of 23 December 1888, after a tense argument with the painter Paul Gauguin (fellow Post-Impressionist), Van Gogh cut off his left ear. He wrapped it in newspaper and presented it to a woman at a local brothel, often identified as a prostitute named Rachel. According to the
More related posts
Donald Duck: Real Name, Catchphrase, and Finland Popularity
BBC Sport Football Scores and Fixtures – Live Updates Guide
Louis Theroux The Settlers – Documentary Summary and Key Insights
Bank Holidays in 2024: Dates for Ireland, UK, US & Pakistan
Used MINI Countryman for Sale in Ireland: 2025 Price Guide
Xavi Simons: Stats, Age, Height, Transfer & Career Profile
Gary Stevenson: Trader to Activist – Facts vs Myths
How Much is Carer’s Allowance in Ireland 2025 Rates
