There are various theories for Vincent van Gogh’s self-mutilation. The incident occurred on December 23, 1888, apparently during a heated argument with fellow artist Paul Gauguin. Afterward van Gogh was reported to have wrapped the severed ear in paper and delivered it to either a prostitute or a cleaning woman at a nearby brothel, instructing her to “guard this object carefully.” Some historians suggest the episode may have been exacerbated by van Gogh’s consumption of absinthe, a potent alcoholic beverage. Others speculate that it was an act of self-punishment or a desperate plea for help. Additionally, some art historians have proposed that Gauguin may have been more involved in the incident, possibly injuring van Gogh during their altercation.
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