Van Gogh's Ear

Our song "Right" is about the life of artist Paul Gauguin. I didn't know he and Vincent Van Gogh were so close. According to a new study by some German art historians, it was not Van Gogh who cut off his own ear but Gauguin.

Van Gogh's Ear Was Cut Off By Friend Gauguin With A Sword

By Henry Samuel in Paris

Last Updated: 10:43AM BST 05 May 2009

Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear, 1889 by Vincent van Gogh (1853-90) Photo: Samuel Courtauld Trust, Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery

He is known as the tortured genius who cut off his own ear as he struggled with mental illness after the breakdown of his friendship with a fellow artist. But a new study claims Vincent Van Gogh may have made up the story to protect painter Paul Gauguin who actually lopped it off with a sword during an argument.

German art historians say the true version of events never surfaced as the two men both kept a "pact of silence" – Gauguin to avoid prosecution and Van Gogh in a vain attempt to keep a friend with whom he was hopelessly infatuated.

They claim Gauguin used his trusty épée to lop off Van Gogh's ear and then tossed it in the Rhône. Interesting stuff to be sure. These men were essentially tortured geniuses. We may never know what really happened but it sure makes for interesting reading.

Guy