VAN GOGHS EAR

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by fernando

He studied fencing with a master named Grisier. In his published journals a long section describes the views and opinions of the artist on fencing. It is an interesting look at fencing of the late nineteenth century. Gauguin gives advice on fencing, accounts of some of his encounters, and is critical of the military fencing academy...

He actually for a time opened a salle, where he and another fencing colleague did teach.The critique of a well established training facility is certainly not something expected from an amateur. That he was skilled enough to have carried a sword would suggest he certainly have known how to use it, again, hardly in character with an amateur.