Van Gogh, Arles, Murder

Book excerpt: Beginning with his arrival in Arles in March 1888, a combination of factual and fictitious events relating to Vincent Van Gogh are revealed while the Dutchman goes about creating timeless works of art. A number of drawings and paintings of previously unknown locals are finally afforded names and backgrounds. Prominent amongst these is a portrait of a young girl to whom the artist is especially attracted. When she is found murdered, suspicion falls on Van Gogh. Harassed by both a tireless police inspector and a majority of the citizens of Arles, the painter descends into the madness and despair, culminating in his slicing off part of an ear while remaining sufficiently lucid to identify - and paint - the man he suspects of the crime. Circumstances and characters pertaining to the murder define aspects of Van Goghs personality, as well as portraying a way of life in nineteenth century France remarkably similar to present day problems in the USA.