Abstract
Vincent gave clear descriptions of his maladies and his bouts of ill health. The depth to which he analyzed both the comments of his doctors, and the daily items affecting his well being, was quite remarkable. Furthermore, the artist entered into open discussions with his brother Theo, with Émile Bernard, and to some extent with his mother and one sister. The letters are candid, there is a high degree of self-exposure. This chapter is primarily a précis of Vincent’s own descriptions, which have been organized into a framework for later analyses. Some comparisons with twentieth century medical practice are made en passant. For each category of illness or disorder I have selected representative examples from the letters, which are identified by number, and then grouped them into tables of related items. The chapter closes with brief discussions on the illnesses of Theo and Wil.
I did say [to Dr. Rey] that I myself should always regret not being a doctor. Vincent to Theo, letter 571, from Arles, January 17, 1889.
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References and notes
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This item and subsequent details of Theo van Gogh’s illness after Paris were supplied by Dr. A. Pietersma, Archief Dienst Gemeente, Utrecht.
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Arnold, W.N. (1992). Illnesses. In: Vincent van Gogh: Chemicals, Crises and Creativity. Birkhäuser Boston. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-2976-6_3
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