Vincent van Gogh
 
Question:
Avatar

Why did Vincent van Gogh cut off his ear?

By kanjalid Asked Apr 23 2005 9:49PM
82
Pts
 
 
Rate Question
Answer Question Help someone!
Get the latest questions in Vincent van Gogh
flag

Welcome to Answerbag, a community of people sharing what they know.
Sign up now to ask a question or help someone else by giving an answer!

signup now
Sort answers by: Rating | DateArrow Down
 

Answer 21 out of 57

by Mr. McClister on Jan 3, 2007 at 6:41 pm Permalink

Avatar
To make a long story short...no one really knows. It is a highly publicized rumor that he was a little off the deep end and that's why; however, I wouldn't put to much stock in any of the crazy theories out there.
2
Pts
 
 
Rate Answer
 
flag
Comments (be the first to comment)

Answer 22 out of 57

by Littlemisswallflower on Dec 8, 2006 at 9:26 pm Permalink

Avatar
Because he was in love with a prostitute, but didn't have any money, so she left him, and he cut off his ear lobe and sent in to her...

hmmm such a poor guy. suicidal and all :

hope this helps. though you seem to have already gotten all the help you needed. I was just exited because I knew the answer :D lol
2
Pts
 
 
Rate Answer
 
flag
Comments (be the first to comment)

Answer 23 out of 57

by artisallaround on Dec 6, 2006 at 5:12 pm Permalink

Avatar
I have first heard that he cut off his ear,as he really wanted to touch it and hold it in his hands,and draw it then..he just did it due to his his eager to draw the exact form of his ear..that's all!!...But I like the speculation about the bullfights in Arles more..Why not???
2
Pts
 
 
Rate Answer
 
flag
Comments (be the first to comment)

Answer 24 out of 57

by Pointeman1 on May 22, 2005 at 10:54 pm Permalink

Avatar
To add to an excellent answer; one other thing caused van Gogh's erratic behavior; Being an artist he used many substances for painting. Many oil paints in those days contained very poisonous substances; one of the major ones being cadmium which was used to make very bright reds yellows and whites. So the poor man may also have had the added problem of cadmium poisoning to deal with.
2
Pts
 
 
Rate Answer
 
flag
Comments (be the first to comment)

Answer 25 out of 57

by Kenda7 on May 22, 2005 at 3:04 pm Permalink

Avatar
So many variations! I was taught in college that there was no interesting story behind it at all. It is heavily speculated, and taught in Art Colleges world wide, that he had a seizure disorder. He had an episode one day while shaving, lost control of his motor skills and sliced PART of his ear off... completely by accident.
2
Pts
 
 
Rate Answer
 
flag
Comments (be the first to comment)

Answer 26 out of 57

by Cowboy-Read My Profile on Jan 21, 2008 at 8:49 pm Permalink

Avatar
He was a mentally disturbed, talented, kook.
Answer originally posted in response to What is the real reason that van Gogh cut off his ear?
1
Pts
 
 
Rate Answer
 
flag
Comments (be the first to comment)

Answer 27 out of 57

by jin jang on Jan 21, 2007 at 11:48 pm Permalink

Avatar
Because he had one too many ears.
1
Pts
 
 
Rate Answer
 
flag
Comments (be the first to comment)

Answer 28 out of 57

by roxyroxy on Oct 31, 2009 at 3:10 am Permalink

Avatar
he had temporal lobe epilepsy
and yes, he was fucking awesome. but he suffered from severe epileptic scarring. trust me, i know.

love roxy
0
Pts
 
 
Rate Answer
 
flag
Comments (be the first to comment)

Answer 29 out of 57

by celery69 on Jun 1, 2009 at 9:53 pm Permalink

Avatar
He likely suffered from bipolar disorder and possibly schizophrenia, not to mention syphilis was likely wreaking havoc on his gray matter.
0
Pts
 
 
Rate Answer
 
flag
Comments (be the first to comment)

Answer 30 out of 57

by mkwrk2 on May 19, 2009 at 7:06 pm Permalink

Avatar
He did not...

Michael Kerjman
0
Pts
 
 
Rate Answer
 
flag
Comments (be the first to comment)


Add an Answer

Why did Vincent van Gogh cut off his ear?

How to write a good answer
Your answer:

Display answer in fixed-width font (good for tables or text diagrams)

Answers must adhere to our Terms of Use

To create links, just type the address with no HTML code. Use the Preview button at the bottom to verify.

You can edit your answer at any time.

Add Video Add Iimage


Important: Answerbag cannot guarantee the accuracy of answers submitted by members, and we recommend that you use common sense when following any advice found here. Read full disclaimer.