This Day in History: Van Gogh Cuts off His Ear (Saturday, December 23rd)

This Day in History:, Van Gogh Cuts off His Ear .

December 23, 1888.

Van Gogh mutilated his earlobe during a fit of dementia while staying in Arles, France.

The Dutch painter was sharing a house at the time with fellow artist Paul Gauguin.

Van Gogh allegedly lashed out at Gauguin with a knife before using it on himself.

He is said to have given his earlobe to a prostitute who worked at a nearby brothel.

Van Gogh checked himself into a mental hospital in Saint-Remy following a brief hospitalization in Arles.

During this period, he experienced intense moments of creativity, painting some of his most known works, such as 'The Starry Night.'

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Though he sold only one painting during his lifetime, Van Gogh's work now auctions for prices in the tens of millions