Vincent van Gogh is one of the most iconic figures in art history, but his life is often misunderstood. Swirling stories of madness, poverty, and loneliness surround his name, turning him into more of a myth than a man. But what’s fact, and what’s fiction?
We’ll explore and debunk the top myths about Vincent van Gogh—including the truth behind the ear incident, his art sales, and his mental health. Prepare to get a clearer picture of the artist who changed the world with every brushstroke.
1. Myth: Van Gogh Cut Off His Entire Ear
Truth: Only part of it was removed
The most sensational myth about Van Gogh is that he cut off his entire ear. In reality, he only removed a portion of his left ear—most likely the lower lobe. This happened in December 1888 after an intense argument with fellow artist Paul Gauguin while living in Arles. In a disturbed mental state, Van Gogh injured himself and brought the severed piece to a nearby brothel.
Though shocking, this wasn’t a random act of madness but a reflection of his ongoing struggle with mental illness and emotional distress.
2. Myth: He Never Sold a Painting in His Lifetime
Truth: He did—at least one is documented
Contrary to the widespread belief, Van Gogh did sell a painting while alive. In 1890, “The Red Vineyard” was purchased by Belgian artist Anna Boch for 400 francs. It may not have been a commercial breakthrough, but it proves he wasn’t completely ignored.
While it’s true that his work gained massive recognition only after his death, Van Gogh exhibited and was respected within certain avant-garde circles during his life.
3. Myth: Van Gogh Lived in Extreme Poverty
Truth: His brother Theo supported him financially
Van Gogh faced hardship, but he wasn’t abandoned. His brother Theo, an art dealer, provided financial support throughout his life. This allowed Van Gogh to buy materials, rent studios, and dedicate himself fully to painting.
Their close relationship is well documented through letters, many of which express Vincent’s deep gratitude for Theo’s unwavering help.
4. Myth: He Was Mad All the Time
Truth: His mental health came in episodes
Van Gogh suffered from mental illness, including depression and psychosis, but he also experienced periods of lucidity, joy, and intense creativity. Some of his most renowned works—like “Starry Night” and “Sunflowers”—were created during these clear periods.
His letters are filled with hope, insight, and thoughtful analysis of art, proving he was more than a “tortured artist.”
5. Myth: He Died Instantly After Shooting Himself
Truth: He survived the gunshot for two days
Van Gogh didn’t die immediately after his suicide attempt. He shot himself in the chest in a wheat field near Auvers-sur-Oise and managed to walk back to the inn where he was staying. He lived for nearly two days and even spoke with Theo before passing away.
Some modern historians even suggest the possibility that Van Gogh may not have shot himself but was accidentally wounded by local boys. While that theory remains debated, what’s clear is that his death wasn’t as immediate or straightforward as legend claims.
6. Myth: Van Gogh Was Completely Isolated
Truth: He had friendships and connections
Although Van Gogh struggled socially, he wasn’t completely isolated. He had meaningful relationships with other artists like Paul Gauguin, Émile Bernard, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. He even dreamed of forming an artist collective in Arles, famously dubbed the “Studio of the South.”
His correspondence with artists and family shows he maintained emotional connections and artistic collaborations throughout his life.
7. Myth: Van Gogh Was Self-Taught
Truth: He had formal training and studied art seriously
While his style evolved uniquely, Van Gogh wasn’t entirely self-taught. He attended the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels and studied under Anton Mauve, a prominent painter of the Hague School.
Van Gogh also absorbed influences from Japanese prints, Impressionism, and Dutch masters, blending these inspirations into his own expressive style.
8. Myth: His Work Was Universally Rejected
Truth: He had early admirers and exhibitions
Van Gogh’s work was not completely rejected during his life. Theo helped organize exhibitions and introduced his paintings to the right people. He was invited to exhibit with Les XX in Brussels and received praise from peers and critics alike.
Although he didn’t achieve fame, his work was being recognized by a small but influential audience.
9. Myth: “Starry Night” Is a Realistic Sky
Truth: It was painted from memory, not observation
Many people believe “Starry Night” shows the actual night sky Van Gogh saw in Arles. But the painting was completed during his stay at the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence asylum and was based on memory, emotion, and imagination.
Its swirling sky, bold contrasts, and spiritual tone express internal emotion more than celestial accuracy.
10. Myth: Van Gogh Only Painted Landscapes
Truth: His subjects were diverse and symbolic
Although known for landscapes, Van Gogh explored a wide variety of subjects:
- Portraits like “The Postman Joseph Roulin” and numerous self-portraits
- Still lifes including the iconic “Sunflowers” series
- Peasant scenes such as “The Potato Eaters”
- Architectural interiors like “The Bedroom”
This diversity reflects both his technical curiosity and his desire to connect with universal human experiences.
11. Myth: Museums Ignored His Art
Truth: He is now central to art institutions worldwide
Today, Van Gogh’s art is a cornerstone of modern museum collections. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam holds the world’s largest collection of his work. Paintings are also housed in the Musée d’Orsay, MoMA, and other major institutions.
His legacy is not only celebrated—it’s essential to understanding modern art history.
12. Myth: He Became Famous Immediately After Death
Truth: His fame grew gradually, thanks to Theo’s widow
Van Gogh’s fame didn’t explode instantly after his death. It was Theo’s widow, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, who preserved and promoted his letters and paintings. She organized exhibitions and helped shape the narrative around his life and art.
Over time, the art world began to recognize his brilliance, and by the 20th century, Van Gogh had become a cultural icon.
Conclusion
Vincent van Gogh’s life was layered with complexity, talent, suffering, and resilience. While myths paint him as a tragic, penniless outcast, the truth reveals a far richer story. He was an artist of immense depth, supported by family, trained in his craft, and connected to a network of creative minds.
By debunking these common myths, we get closer to appreciating Van Gogh as he truly was—an artistic pioneer whose legacy lives on in museums, homes, and hearts around the world. Dive deeper into his genius with our Vincent Van Gogh wall art prints or browse our broader Artists collection for more timeless masterpieces.
FAQs
Did Van Gogh really never sell any paintings?
No. He sold at least one painting—“The Red Vineyard”—during his lifetime.
Why did Van Gogh cut off his ear?
Following an argument with Paul Gauguin, Van Gogh experienced a breakdown and cut off part of his left ear during a mental health crisis.
Was Van Gogh completely self-taught?
No. He studied art formally in Brussels and received guidance from established artists like Anton Mauve.
Did Van Gogh only paint landscapes?
Not at all. His portfolio includes portraits, still lifes, interiors, and scenes from everyday life.
Was Van Gogh ignored by the art world while alive?
He wasn’t widely known, but he had admirers, exhibited works, and was respected among avant-garde artists of his time.
