JAMA Article written by Dr. Arenberg is available to download from JAMA’s website at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/384958
To the Editor.— Arenberg et al1 have presented a convincing argument that Vincent van Gogh suffered from Meniere’s disease. They conclude that we should “forever banish the notion that he was… ‘mad.’ ” A substantial body of data2,3 and my own research4 contradict this opinion.Arenberg et al substantiate their view by suggesting that van Gogh cut off part of his ear in a vain effort to remove unbearable tinnitus. Although Meniere’s disease is common, few resort to such self-mutilation. It seems probable that other factors were involved. Indeed, van Gogh was under great emotional stress at the time. He had been living in Arles (France) with Gauguin. Their relationship had been deteriorating rapidly. Following a particularly fierce argument, Gauguin stormed from their house, and van Gogh chased him, threatening him with a razor. Van Gogh returned home, cut off part of his ear, and presented it to