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The Yellow House, 1888
Oil on Canvas, 72 X 91.5 cm
Photo: Van Gogh Museum,
Amsterdam
Bribed by Theo's offer of money, Gauguin arrived, but the 63 days together were marked by growing tensions. Becoming ever more sexually impotent as a result of drink and mentally unstable, Vincent's thoughts turned to early death. He found inspiration in the night sky, producing the first of his paintings of stars, and immortalising The Night Café run by Joseph and Marie Ginoux at 30 Place Lamartine.
Van Gogh's behaviour was becoming more erratic and the two artists' rivalry more intense, and after a regular visit to the town's famous bullfights, Van Gogh cut off part of his left ear as a sign of defeat like the bull. He was found in the morning, having almost bled to death, and was taken to hospital. Gauguin left the next day.
