Vincent's Ear. Installment #3
by Denise Novaky on 07/13/13Did you know that van Gogh spoke several languages and was deeply concerned about the human condition as well as man's connection with God? He studied theology but was concerned because he did not believe the common working person could possibly benefit from a church service t presented in Latin, the standard of the day. He became a missionary in a coal mining community and lived among the families of poor, hardworking coal miners providing spiritual support.
Eventually, van Gogh attended the Academie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Belgium whereupon his artisitc talents and interests blossomed. He interacted regularly with other, now-famous painters, such as Gauguin, Bermard, & Toulouse-Lautrec. Van Gogh had a significant relationship with Gauguin who may very likely have lopped off van Gogh's ear in contrast to the story that he did it to himself. According to one account he cut off his own ear while staring at the night sky through an asylum window. Ha! Not true.
In 2009, two historians came forward after researching original writings from Gauguin and van Gogh and delving into some documented eye witness accounts as well. These historians now believe that van Gogh may have lied about the incident in order to protect Gauguin. Hans Kaufmann, one of the historians who discovered the van Gogh-Gauguin secret and co-authored the book, The Pact of Silence, explained the story in an ABC news interview that ran in Germany.
Apparently, van Gogh and Gauguin had been living together when Gauguin announced his plan to leave van Gogh for good and return to Paris. It is believed that van Gogh completely freaked out about Gauguin's plan one particular night when he and Gauguin met on the street. It seems that van Gogh attacked Gauguin, likely during a brain seizure that is known to cause aggressive behavior. Gauguin, in turn, wanted to "get away from the madman" and drew his sword. He made a move towards van Gogh and, by doing so, cut off his left ear. It is unclear whether Gauguin meant to hurt van Gogh but the researchers suspected that the incident was an accident.
Whether or not van Gogh and Gauguin had a love relationshihp, which has been postulated, or were platonic friends, van Gogh took the secret to his grave and never implicated Gauguin. I would imagine that van Gogh felt abandoned by Gauguin and angry after being jilted. Still, he did not go the
Facebook-equivalent-of-the-day with scandalous stories or other types of venom aimed at Gauguin. He did not go after Gauguin's next lover and "warn" that individual about possibly losing body parts. Hmmmm.... He was hurt and angry but continued to respect his friend and the relationship they once enjoyed.
It appears that, after being jilted by Gauguin, he stopped, sat back, thought, and Became Awesome. I think van Gogh was incredibly empathic with his fellow man. He realized that the poor and uneducated could not possibly benefit from a church service spoken in Latin. He likely realized that Gauguin had no intention of harming him and did not take advantage of the opportunity to ruin his reputation.
"An artist needn't be a clergyman...but he certainly must have a warm hears for h is fellow men" Vincent van Gogh..
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