By Alpha Reproduction – The emotion of art, faithfully reproduced
"In this article, we explore in detail the story of Van Gogh's severed ear, its symbolism, and the theories surrounding it."
There are stories that forever mark the collective imagination. The story of Vincent van Gogh and his severed ear is one of them. Between intimate suffering, artistic tensions, and a mystery never fully solved, this tragic episode that occurred in Arles in 1888 crystallizes the image of the tormented genius, on the border between brilliance and fragility.
This radical gesture, often reduced to a mere anecdote, deserves to be explored in depth. Because beyond the legend, it reveals the emotional intensity of a man in search of light, friendship, and recognition. Let us dive into the facts to better understand this key moment in the history of art — and in Van Gogh's life.
🎨 A true story that surpasses fiction
Van Gogh and his ear: why this extreme act?
The episode of the severed ear cannot be understood without mentioning the state of mind Van Gogh was in at the end of 1888. Settled in Arles, in the south of France, the painter hoped to find clarity, inspiration, and above all the company of artist friends with whom to share his ideal of a communal studio.
But the reality was quite different. His daily life oscillated between solitude, precariousness, and psychological instability. His hypersensitive temperament and increasingly frequent crises already signaled a deep malaise. The arrival of Paul Gauguin, whom he intensely admired, should have eased his torments. It was quite the opposite.
Very quickly, the coexistence between the two painters deteriorates. Arguments, artistic disagreements, and misunderstandings accumulate. On December 23, 1888, following a particularly violent altercation, Van Gogh suffers a crisis. In a state of extreme agitation, he mutilates himself by cutting off part of his left ear — a dramatic gesture that will forever be associated with his name.
Historians suggest several hypotheses to explain this act:
– an acute psychotic crisis
– a bipolar disorder or epileptic disorder poorly diagnosed
– a deep emotional distress related to Gauguin's abandonment
– an accumulation of economic and emotional pressures
This tragic episode, often summarized by the question "Van Gogh, ear why?", marks a turning point in his life. It illustrates the invisible struggle between creation and destruction, between the need for expression and inner pain.
Note: it is indeed the left ear that was mutilated — a detail often blurred in mirror self-portraits, which still fuels confusion today about "Van Gogh, which ear?"
🧠 The episode of the severed ear: what we know
A dramatic night in Arles
The drama unfolds on the night of December 23 to 24, 1888, in Arles. That evening, Vincent van Gogh, alone in the Yellow House after a violent argument with Paul Gauguin, falls into a state of extreme distress. In a gesture no one could have foreseen, he mutilates himself by cutting off part of his left ear with a razor.
This is not a simple incident, but a serious act, full of meaning and suffering. Bloody, desperate, it reveals the intensity of the psychic crisis he is going through. Van Gogh then wraps his ear in a cloth, goes to a brothel in the neighborhood, and offers the piece of flesh to a young woman named Rachel, simply saying to her: "Keep this carefully."
The next morning, Van Gogh was found unconscious in his room by the police, alerted by the residents. The artist was hospitalized in Arles, where he was monitored for several days in a semi-conscious state, oscillating between delirium and silence.
The Arles police investigation report, although brief, mentions the facts and describes the scene with precision:
– The weapon used (a barber's razor)
– The presence of blood in the room
– The testimony of the brothel staff
– The artist's disturbed mental state
– The discovery of a letter not sent to Théo, his brother
This document, now kept in the local archives, remains a major source for reconstructing the events of that fateful night. It is often cited in works about Van Gogh, so much has the event marked the collective imagination.
This episode, analyzed through the investigation report on Van Gogh's ear, highlights how thin the line was between artistic genius and mental fragility in his journey. More than a mere anecdote, it is the tipping point of a man in search of inner peace, yet caught up by his demons.
🖌️ A self-portrait that became an icon
Van Gogh, the artist and the pain
En janvier 1889, à peine quelques jours après son hospitalisation, Vincent van Gogh reprend les pinceaux. Il réalise alors l’une de ses œuvres les plus poignantes et les plus célèbres : l’Autoportrait à l’oreille bandée. Ce tableau, peint à Arles, est bien plus qu’un simple portrait — c’est un témoignage silencieux de sa douleur, une affirmation d’existence au cœur du chaos.
Through this van gogh self-portrait with bandaged ear, the artist shows a pale, closed, resigned face. His left ear — the one he mutilated — is hidden under a large white bandage, while he wears a thick dark green coat and a Japanese headpiece. In the background, one can see a painting easel, a sign that he is getting back to work, and a Japanese print hanging on the wall, a symbol of his admiration for Japanese art.
Analysis of the table
– Composition: centered on the face, in a tight framing, almost oppressive
– Colors: dominated by cool tones (greens, blues, whites), enhancing the solitude of the scene
– Light: diffuse, almost clinical, it accentuates the contrast between the bandage and the rest of the painting
– Symbols :
– The Japanese print evokes the serenity he seeks
– The easel bears witness to his determination to continue despite the suffering
– The averted gaze suggests introspection and fragility
This painting, painted at the very beginning of 1889 (van gogh self-portrait cut ear date), is one of the most powerful self-portraits in the entire history of art. It is neither glorious nor idealized: it shows a wounded man, but standing, a creator who makes his pain a universal visual language.
Today, this work is seen as an icon of artistic resilience, a painting that speaks as much about psychological distress as about the power of creation. It is regularly exhibited in major museums and continues to move viewers with its raw sincerity and silent intensity.
By choosing a faithful reproduction of this self-portrait, one invites into their home not only a work of art but also a fragment of humanity, profound and moving.
🔍 Which ear did Van Gogh actually cut off?
Right or left?
The question may seem trivial, but it frequently comes up in searches and discussions about Van Gogh: "Van Gogh, which ear did he cut off?" The confusion mainly comes from his self-portraits, and in particular the one with the bandaged ear.
In this painting, we observe that the right ear appears to be covered with bandages. However, medical reports, contemporary testimonies, and historical investigations agree on one specific point: it was indeed the left ear that Van Gogh mutilated on the night of December 23, 1888.
Where does the confusion come from?
The answer lies in a technical detail: Van Gogh painted his self-portraits using a mirror. Thus, what we see as his right ear on the canvas actually corresponds to his left ear in reality. This visual inversion is the source of the misunderstanding.
Many experts, including the curators of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, have confirmed this explanation by comparing the medical records, Vincent's letters to his brother Theo, and the police reports from Arles. All mention the left ear as the mutilated part.
What historical documents say
– Letter from Van Gogh to Théo (January 1889): he clearly talks about his bandage on the "left side".
– Arles police report: mentions an injury to the left ear.
– Testimony of Félix Rey, the doctor who treated him: he even sketched a drawing indicating the left ear.
Ultimately, despite appearances, there is no longer any doubt today: Van Gogh did indeed cut off his left ear. The confusion comes from the mirror he used to paint his self-portraits, which produces a reversed image.
This detail, often overlooked, once again testifies to the complexity of the man behind the artist. Even a wound as striking can become a source of myth — and fascination.
🖼️ The symbolism of the ear in the history of art
Why is this gesture so fascinating?
The act of cutting off one's ear is, in itself, an act of rare violence — but what makes it such a striking image in the history of art is its deep symbolic charge. The ear is not a trivial organ: it is the seat of listening, the connection to the world, the intimate perception of reality. By mutilating this part of his body, Van Gogh seems to cut the thread with the outside — a gesture that becomes the ultimate symbol of inner isolation.
The ear: between sensitivity and balance
In many artistic and philosophical traditions, the ear represents receptivity, openness to others, intuition. It is what captures vibrations, what allows one to hear the world, to feel its nuances. Losing an ear means losing a symbolic balance between the self and others, between the inside and the outside.
With Van Gogh, this act can be interpreted as:
– a deliberate break with society
– an attempt to reclaim one's body through pain
– a physical manifestation of silent despair
A powerful image in popular culture
The episode of Van Gogh's severed ear has inspired dozens of stories, films, plays, and philosophical essays. It has become a metaphor for the misunderstood genius, for self-sacrifice in the name of art.
This pattern is found:
– in literature (from Camus to Dali)
– in cinema (e.g. Vincent & Theo, Lust for Life)
– in contemporary songs and artistic performances
Through this gesture, Van Gogh became the archetype of the tortured artist, both vulnerable and visionary.
Other artists, other wounds
The history of art is full of correspondences between physical pain and creation.
– Frida Kahlo, painting her suffering through her post-accident self-portraits
– Egon Schiele, transforming his bodily fragility into plastic language
– Michelangelo, Rembrandt or Munch, all having projected their sufferings into their works
The wound, whether intentional or not, often becomes for artists a means of expression, an outlet, an alternative language.
In this sense, Van Gogh's severed ear goes beyond the anecdote: it becomes a powerful, ambiguous, universal symbol. It questions the boundary between lived pain and conveyed emotion, between the reality of the artist and the legend that the world remembers.
🎯 For Alpha Reproduction, offering a reproduction of the Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear is also to offer a gateway to this symbolic dimension, which gives full meaning to art in our daily lives.
📖 What Van Gogh says about this episode in his letters
The artist's voice, in the first person
To truly understand the state of mind of Vincent van Gogh after the incident of the severed ear, one must turn to his letters to his brother Théo. These correspondences, profoundly moving in their richness, immerse us in the intimacy of a tormented yet deeply lucid man.
Surprisingly, Van Gogh dwells very little on this episode, preferring to mention his mental health indirectly, or to divert attention towards his work, his readings, or his artistic projects. It is in these unspoken words, these silences, that one measures the extent of his pain — and his will to remain dignified.
Selected excerpts: between modesty and resilience
In a letter dated January 7, 1889, a few days after his release from the hospital, he writes to Théo:
"I'm starting to feel a little more like myself. […] I want to paint a little, and above all not think too much about what happened."
In another, also addressed to Théo, on January 17, 1889, he confides:
"It would be too sad if I stayed in this state of crisis. I am doing everything to regain my clarity. I still have so many things to paint."
He also briefly mentions the bandage and its physical aspect, in a letter where he talks about his Self-portrait with Bandaged Ear:
"I painted myself with a bandage – I want it to be true, not dramatic."
An attempt at trivialization, or a form of denial?
What strikes in these letters is the emotional restraint. Van Gogh seems to refuse to feed pity, or to make it a central subject. He speaks little of the act itself, even less of his motivations. He prefers to mention the resumption of work, the will to continue, the reassuring presence of Théo.
But between the lines, one perceives a great fragility, mixed with a disturbing lucidity. He knows that the episode marks a turning point, but he tries to control his own narrative, keeping control over what he wants to convey.
A correspondence as a mirror of the soul
Van Gogh's letters are not just a historical testimony: they are an inner journal, a mirror of his emotions, an echo of his solitude. They show a wounded man, but determined to transform his trials into art.
By reading them, one understands that the severed ear is just one episode among others, and that the real tragedy of Van Gogh lies in his unfulfilled need to be understood, loved, supported.
📚 Good to know: The complete correspondence of Vincent van Gogh is available online on the official website vangoghletters.org, with translation and annotations. A valuable resource for all enthusiasts.
🖼️ Where to see the Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear today?
The exhibition venues and museums concerned
If the story of Van Gogh and his severed ear fascinates so much, it is also because we can still contemplate the fruit of this tragic episode: the famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear indeed exists, and it is accessible to the public in one of the most prestigious museums in Europe.
📍 The original painting is located at the Courtauld Gallery, in London
This masterpiece from 1889 is kept at the Courtauld Institute of Art, within the Courtauld Gallery in London. The museum holds one of the finest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world. The Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear is displayed there in a space dedicated to the major artists of the 19th century.
🔗 Official site – Courtauld Gallery
📍 Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN, United Kingdom
💡 Tip: the museum also offers virtual tours through its platform, allowing you to admire the artwork in high resolution, even from a distance.
🖼️ More self-portraits of Van Gogh to discover
Van Gogh created more than 35 self-portraits during his career. Several are displayed in major institutions around the world:
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Musée d’Orsay in Paris
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Art Institute of Chicago
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Neue Pinakothek in Munich
Ces autoportraits, bien que moins directement liés à l’épisode de l’oreille coupée, permettent d’observer l’évolution de son regard sur lui-même, sa technique, son état d’esprit.
An experience to be lived in a gallery… or at home
If you have the chance to visit London, seeing the original work is a moment of great emotional intensity. The painting, modest in size but striking in visual power, bears witness to the artist's resilience in the face of his own demons.
For those who wish to extend the experience at home, Alpha Reproduction offers a hand-painted reproduction, faithful to the original work. It is a unique way to incorporate a page of history into your daily life.
🧠 Alternative theories: what if it wasn't him?
Controversies around the cut ear
The official story tells that Vincent van Gogh, in a fit of madness, self-mutilated by cutting off part of his left ear on the night of December 23, 1888. However, an alternative theory emerged over the course of the 20th century, challenging this traditional version. What if it was not Van Gogh himself who committed this act... but Paul Gauguin?
A documented rumor: Gauguin's sword
According to this controversial hypothesis, Paul Gauguin accidentally — or in a defensive gesture — wounded Van Gogh with a fencing saber, which he regularly carried with him. The two artists, who had been in conflict for several days, reportedly had a final violent argument in front of the Yellow House, escalating into a physical altercation.
In this version, Van Gogh would have covered for his friend, refusing to accuse him publicly, probably out of attachment or guilt. He then supposedly fled and invented a version blaming himself for the injury, out of loyalty or to preserve Gauguin's reputation.
Contradictory testimonials
This theory was seriously defended by Hans Kaufmann and Rita Wildegans, two German researchers, in their work Van Gogh's Ear: Paul Gauguin and the Pact of Silence (2009). They rely on:
– inconsistencies in Gauguin's testimonies
– omissions in Van Gogh's letters
– the proximity of a saber in Gauguin's affairs
– stories from the inhabitants of Arles, collected decades later
These elements, although debatable, helped to fuel doubt, reigniting interest in this theory.
A minority hypothesis, but fascinating
It should be noted, however, that the majority of art historians reject this version, in the absence of formal evidence. Medical documents, Van Gogh's letters, and police reports all indicate self-mutilation.
But the alternative version continues to intrigue, especially because it enhances the dramatic and romantic dimension of the Van Gogh–Gauguin relationship.
Myth or hidden truth?
This controversy illustrates one essential thing: the story of Van Gogh fascinates because it is unfinished, subject to interpretation, open to projection. Whether he was a victim or the perpetrator of the act, what remains important is what he transformed: a wound, into a masterpiece.
🔍 For fans of intertwined stories, this theory offers a more complex reading of the episode — and encourages watching Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear with even greater attention.
💬 Expert testimonials: cross perspectives on the episode of the severed ear
The story of Van Gogh's severed ear continues to intrigue not only the general public but also art historians, psychiatrists, and contemporary artists. This act, both intimate and brutal, continues to be analyzed through medical, psychological, and artistic lenses, revealing a complexity far beyond the anecdote.
What art historians say about it
🖌️ Ronald Pickvance, Van Gogh specialist, wrote:
"This act was not a momentary madness. It is the logical extension of a mind on the verge of exhaustion, yet still capable of creating."
📚 Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith, authors of a definitive biography (Van Gogh: The Life), emphasize:
"It is not the act itself that is most striking, but the fact that he then painted with energy still intact."
For them, the real mystery is not the severed ear, but the way Van Gogh continued to produce masterpieces in a state of extreme suffering.
Analysis of modern psychiatrists
🧠 Mental health experts see in this episode signs of a severe psychiatric disorder, possibly:
– a form of bipolar disorder with psychotic episodes
– or a temporal lobe epileptic syndrome, exacerbated by isolation and malnutrition
Dr. Karl Jaspers, psychiatrist and philosopher, had already diagnosed in 1922 "a schizoid personality with major depressive disorders", influencing several generations of clinicians.
What contemporary artists think about it
🎨 For David Hockney, famous British painter,
"Van Gogh was a visionary. His pain was not a weakness, but an intensity. He saw more than others."
Other artists, such as Francis Bacon or Yayoi Kusama, have expressed their own identification with Van Gogh, considering him as a tutelary figure of creation on the edge of the bearable.
📌 Did you know?
The painting Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear was studied in 2016 by a group of neurologists to analyze visible signs of mental disorders in self-representation. Result: no signs of delirium in the execution, proof that Van Gogh, even after the crisis, maintained intact technical mastery.
A pain that connects with that of other artists
Van Gogh is not the only one to have combined mental suffering and artistic creation :
– Frida Kahlo, wounded in her flesh and in her heart, transformed her medical daily life into paintings of raw sincerity
– Artaud, Camille Claudel, or Nijinski also experienced mental confinement, while leaving behind major works
– Edward Munch, in The Scream, crystallizes an existential anguish similar to that felt in Van Gogh
🎯 These analyses show that the episode of the severed ear is not a mere news item, but a mirror of the relationships between art, madness, and genius, a tragic and luminous intersection that continues to resonate with each generation.
🖼️ Reproductions of the Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear
Emotion on canvas, by Alpha Reproduction
At Alpha Reproduction, we believe that every painting carries a memory, a vibration, a breath of humanity. Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear is no exception to this belief: it is a moving work, both intimate and universal, which we have chosen to reproduce with the utmost respect for the original.
Our reproductions are hand-painted, using the traditional oil on canvas technique, by highly skilled copyist artists. Every brushstroke is carefully studied, every shade faithfully reproduced to convey the emotional strength of Van Gogh's face, his elusive gaze, his profound silence.
🖌️ Details of the reproduction :
– Hand-painted oil on canvas
– Customizable formats according to the space to be decorated
– Custom framing on request (classic, contemporary, raw or gilded frame)
– Certificate of authenticity provided with each artwork
– Careful and secure shipping worldwide
Owning a reproduction of this painting is not just about decorating a wall:
it is bringing a fragment of history into your home, a moment of raw sincerity captured at the tip of the brush.
More than a portrait, Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear is a manifesto of resilience, a work that transcends time and touches the heart.
🎨 Discover this exclusive reproduction in our shop, and let yourself be carried away by the pure emotion of a timeless masterpiece.
🏠 Decoration suggestions
Why does this painting fit into a modern interior?
Van Gogh's Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear is much more than a work of art: it is a point of dialogue between emotion and aesthetics, between memory and modernity. Despite its dramatic origin, this painting fits perfectly into a contemporary decoration, where authenticity and depth have their rightful place.
In an office, it brings an atmosphere of reflection, calm, and concentration. Its gaze turned inward invites meditation, creativity, and taking a step back.
In a library or a minimalist living room, it becomes a central talking point: discreet, yet powerful. It captures attention without imposing itself, and creates a link between the intimate and the intellectual.
This painting is especially suitable for art history enthusiasts, fans of artist biographies, or those who appreciate works with high symbolic significance.
Decor idea: Pair this reproduction with furniture featuring clean lines, a brass reading lamp, and a few art books placed on a shelf. An elegant and personal way to honor Van Gogh's genius while asserting a refined aesthetic.
🛍️ Other works by Van Gogh available at Alpha Reproduction
Complete your collection with the artist's most iconic masterpieces
At Alpha Reproduction, we are committed to offering the most striking paintings of Vincent van Gogh, reproduced by hand, in oil on canvas, with an exceptional level of artistic fidelity. In addition to the Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, discover other iconic canvases that showcase the expressive power of the artist.
🌻 Sunflowers (1888)
Symbol of light, hope, and movement, this floral series is one of the most famous in art history. It is perfect for bringing a warm and sunny touch to a contemporary interior.
🛏️ The Bedroom in Arles (1888)
Un tableau paisible en apparence, mais profondément intime et symbolique. Idéal pour un espace de repos ou de méditation, il invite au calme et à la simplicité.
🌌 The Starry Night (1889)
Vision cosmique d’un ciel vibrant, né de l’imagination de Van Gogh à Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Une œuvre idéale pour un salon, une chambre ou un espace de contemplation.
🌾 Wheat Field with Crows (1890)
L’un des derniers tableaux du peintre, empreint d’une tension dramatique et d’une grande intensité. Parfait pour une décoration expressive et audacieuse.
👨🎨 Other self-portraits available
– Self-portrait with a gray felt hat
– Self-portrait with blue background
– Self-portrait without beard
Each portrait is a window into the artist's soul, and constitutes a strong piece in an artistic or intellectual interior.
🎨 Why choose Alpha Reproduction?
– Hand-painted oil reproductions
– Certificate of authenticity provided
– Customizable formats and frames
– Secure international delivery
– Responsive customer service passionate about art
💡 Decor tip: Create a Van Gogh art wall by combining several canvases from different periods. An elegant way to express your passion while creating a strong visual focal point in your interior.
📌 Conclusion
Behind the myth of the severed ear lies a deeply human man, scarred by life but driven by a rare inner strength. Vincent van Gogh never painted to shock or provoke: he painted to survive, to understand, to express the unspeakable.
His Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear remains the silent witness of this inner struggle. It is not a painting of pain, but an act of courage, a declaration of love for life despite its wounds.
By choosing a hand-painted reproduction of this moving work, one does not celebrate suffering — one honors the power of creation, the dignity of an artist who was able to transform his torments into a masterpiece.
🎨 Bring history, art, and emotion into your home with Alpha Reproduction.
Because every artwork deserves to be passed on with fidelity and passion.
❓FAQ – Van Gogh and the Cut Ear
🩸 Why did Van Gogh cut off his ear?
Van Gogh mutilated his left ear in a moment of extreme psychological distress, on the night of December 23, 1888. This crisis occurred after a violent argument with his friend Paul Gauguin, in Arles. Several factors contributed to this act: isolation, mental disorders, nervous fatigue, and fear of abandonment.
🕯️ Which ear did Van Gogh cut off?
Contrary to popular belief, it is indeed the left ear that was cut off. The confusion arises from the fact that Van Gogh painted his self-portraits using a mirror, giving the impression that the bandage is on the right.
📅 On what date did Van Gogh injure himself?
The incident took place on the night of December 23 to 24, 1888, in the city of Arles, in the south of France. He was hospitalized immediately after being found unconscious in his room.
📜 What does the investigation report say about Van Gogh's ear?
The report from the Arles police confirms the use of a razor for self-mutilation. It mentions the presence of blood in the room, testimonies from local prostitutes, and the discovery of a letter addressed to Théo Van Gogh. This document remains a valuable source for historians.
🖌️ What does the self-portrait with the bandaged ear represent?
Painted in January 1889, shortly after the incident, this iconic painting embodies Van Gogh's resilience. It shows the artist standing, dignified, bandaged but still active, with an easel in the background. A poignant work, symbolizing artistic survival in the face of mental suffering.
🗡️ Did Van Gogh really cut off his ear?
According to an alternative theory, it was Paul Gauguin who accidentally wounded him during an altercation, with a saber. Van Gogh is said to have kept silent to protect him. However, this version remains a minority and not confirmed by official sources.
🏛️ FAQ – About Alpha Reproduction
🎨 How are your painting reproductions made?
Each artwork is hand-painted, in oil on canvas, by an experienced copyist artist. We guarantee maximum fidelity to the originals through a detailed analysis of colors, textures, and composition.
🖼️ Can I order a specific size or framing?
Yes, we offer custom sizes as well as a wide selection of frames on request (classic, contemporary, gilded, raw wood…). You can create a unique artwork tailored to your space.
📜 Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Absolutely. Each painting comes with an Alpha Reproduction certificate, certifying that it is a handcrafted reproduction, hand-painted, and not a digital print.
⏳ What are the manufacturing and delivery times?
It takes approximately 40 to 50 days for the creation of a painting, depending on its complexity. Then, delivery takes 3 to 5 business days, depending on your place of residence.
🌍 Do you deliver internationally?
Yes, we deliver worldwide, with careful, secure packaging adapted to works of art. Shipping costs are calculated automatically at the time of order.
