On December 23, 1888, Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, suffering
from severe depression, cut off the lower part of his left ear with a
razor while staying in Arles, France.
Van Gogh suffered from psychotic episodes and delusions. He
worried about his mental stability, and often neglected his
physical health, did not eat properly and drank heavily. He
spent time in psychiatric hospitals.
He later documented the event in a painting titled Self-Portrait
with Bandaged Ear. Today, Van Gogh is regarded as an artistic
genius and his masterpieces sell for record-breaking prices.
His depression persisted, and on 29 July 1890 Van Gogh died
from his injuries after shooting himself in the chest with a
revolver.
Vincent Van Gogh
