Today, on Radio BBC, I heard Dr Arenberg describe Vincent’s death as “an honour killing”, presumably referring to the possible intention or request from Vincent to marry the Gachet’s daughter Marguerite. Very intriguing, but that is not part of the old story I learned.
One of the strangest aspects of the story of van Gogh’s mysterious death as we all knew it, was that there was never any suggestion of Vincent being upset with his doctor or his son, or of any special feelings for Marguerite. But of course, the false narrative came from Dr Gachet and his son and Johanna van Gogh-Bonger. All had their own reasons to spin the story away from the truth.
I am very curious to know if Dr. Arenberg will pursue the French authorities to allow a forensic research team access to Vincent’s grave sight to use modern technology to determine if there is still a bullet in Vincent. That would prove he was shot and eliminate the knife hypothesis, answering some of the unanswered questions about his death. Looking forward to being able to finally close the book on this unsolved homicide.
~Jeremy Hornibrook , Christchurch, New Zealand