Brilliant Fernando! That is a key quote that illustrates the exact demeanor of the situation! Van Gogh viewed Gaugin as a 'mans man', almost a kind of super hero. It was only his 'madness' and detachment from reality in moments that allowed him the 'courage' to challenge him in heated argument.
In the moments of that fateful evening of December 23, 1888, Van Gogh's world was imploding. His brother Theo was getting married, threatening the end of his financial lifeline, and his dream of an artists utopia with Gaugin at the helm was at an impasse with Gaugin in the throes of leaving .
Van Gogh in his impassioned anger storming into the night after Gaugin likely did grab a straight razor and probably did at wield it in approaching him. It would seem that Gaugin responded to the immediate threat instinctively but using fencing moves defensively to deter his opponent.
Why would Gaugin have been carrying an epee with him ? It is said that Arles, at least in the area of the bordello, which seems where he was perhaps headed, was a 'seamy' place, particularly at night. While most likely never having the intention of actually using it, it was certainly the kind of accoutrement that would dissuade any potential threat from bad actors that probably lurked about in the night.
In most reviews of the circumstances of the cut ear, it has been suggested that the cut (the magnitude of the amount of the ear lost has often been disputed) was not easily accomplished by one's self.
It does seem, from illustrations by the doctor attending in the event (even thought years later) that the result was from what appears a downward diagonal cut, which would concur with the errant sweep of a sharp blade.
This would agree with what was likely intended as a 'warning' as noted, by Gaugin, for Van Gogh to 'back off', but the injury resulting was certainly not intended. That both men were stunned in the moment suggests that, and subsequent communication between them seems to tacitly support these versions of the altercation.
Van Gogh's quoted words here are very much in accord with the oblique reference to what had actually happened, in suggesting that Gaugin was far from hesitant in using excessive force.
|