Why did Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin argue while living together in Arles?

When Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin lived together in Arles, their relationship was marked by significant tension, largely stemming from their differing temperaments and conflicting artistic philosophies regarding the purpose of art.12

As both men were volatile artists, they frequently engaged in heated exchanges concerning their creative goals. While van Gogh had moved to Arles with the hope of establishing a "Studio of the South" for like-minded painters, the collaboration proved difficult. These disagreements culminated on December 23, 1888, following a particularly intense argument.21

While the traditional account suggests that van Gogh chased Gauguin with a razor before mutilating his own ear, some art historians have proposed an alternative theory based on police records and correspondence, suggesting that Gauguin may have been involved in the altercation and that the two artists agreed to the self-mutilation story to protect Gauguin. Following this incident, Gauguin left Arles, effectively ending their collaboration.12