1. Hallucination-Driven Self-Mutilation: Van Gogh experienced severe mental illness, including episodes of hallucinations and psychotic breakdowns. During one such episode in December 1888, he may have been driven by a hallucinatory experience to cut off his ear.
2. Argument with Gauguin: Another theory suggests that van Gogh cut off his ear after a heated argument with his friend and fellow artist Paul Gauguin. The argument reportedly took place in Arles, France, and may have been fueled by tensions and disagreements between the two artists.
3. Symbolic Gesture: Some art historians believe that van Gogh's self-mutilation was a symbolic act. They suggest that he may have cut off his ear as a way to express his inner turmoil, emotional pain, or mental anguish.
4. Psychosis-Induced Confusion: During his stay at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, van Gogh experienced intense psychotic episodes. It is possible that he was in a state of confusion or disorientation during one of these episodes and accidentally harmed himself.
5. Suicidal Intent: Some scholars suggest that van Gogh's self-mutilation may have been a form of self-destructive behavior or an attempt at suicide. However, there is no conclusive evidence to support this theory.
It is important to note that the exact reasons behind van Gogh's self-mutilation are complex and may never be fully understood. His mental illness and emotional state likely played significant roles in this unfortunate event.