Vincent van Gogh, one of history’s most famous and influential artists, died in 1890 under mysterious and controversial circumstances. His death, initially ruled a suicide, has been the subject of much speculation and debate over the years, leading many to question the true cause of his demise.
Van Gogh’s life was marked by periods of intense creativity and profound mental health struggles. He produced over 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, many of which were created in the last two years of his life. Despite his prolific output, he lived in poverty and suffered from episodes of mental illness, which led to his stay at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
On July 27, 1890, Van Gogh was reportedly painting in a wheat field near Auvers-sur-Oise, France, when he suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He managed to walk back to the Ravoux Inn, where he was staying. Over the next two days, he was attended by doctors but succumbed to his injuries on July 29. His last words, according to his brother Theo, who was at his bedside, were, “The sadness will last forever.”
The conventional narrative, supported by Van Gogh’s biographers and contemporaries, suggests that the artist shot himself due to his deteriorating mental state. This conclusion is bolstered by the letters he wrote to his brother Theo, which reflect his ongoing despair and sense of failure. However, there are several inconsistencies and unanswered questions that cast doubt on the suicide theory.
First, the weapon Van Gogh supposedly used was never found, and no suicide note was discovered. Additionally, the location of the wound has raised questions. It is unusual for someone attempting suicide to shoot themselves in the abdomen, a method that is both painful and slow. Furthermore, the angle of the bullet’s entry suggested that it was fired from some distance, which is inconsistent with a self-inflicted wound.
In recent years, alternative theories have emerged. One of the most compelling is the accidental shooting theory proposed by biographers Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith in their 2011 book, “Van Gogh: The Life.” They suggest that Van Gogh may have been accidentally shot by local teenagers who were known to carry a malfunctioning gun. This theory posits that Van Gogh, not wanting to cause trouble for the boys, claimed to have shot himself.
Supporting this theory, there are accounts of Van Gogh’s interactions with the local youth, who were known to tease and mock him. Eyewitnesses from the time also reported seeing the artist in the company of these teenagers shortly before the incident. Moreover, Van Gogh’s tendency to protect others, even at his own expense, aligns with the idea that he would cover up an accident to shield the boys from legal consequences.
Another piece of the puzzle is the behavior of Dr. Paul Gachet, the physician who treated Van Gogh. Gachet, who was close to the artist, displayed unusual reticence and provided conflicting statements about Van Gogh’s final hours. Some historians suggest that Gachet may have known more about the circumstances of the shooting than he revealed, possibly to protect the reputation of the town or the individuals involved.
Despite these theories, definitive proof remains elusive. The passage of time and the lack of conclusive evidence mean that the true nature of Van Gogh’s death may never be fully understood. What remains clear, however, is the profound impact of his life and work. Van Gogh’s paintings, characterized by their bold colors and emotional intensity, continue to captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring that his legacy endures even as the mystery of his death remains unsolved.
