Artists and Writers:
* Vincent van Gogh: The artist is famously associated with absinthe, though evidence suggests he may have only consumed it occasionally. Some believe it contributed to his mental instability, but this is disputed by historians.
* Edgar Allan Poe: Poe was known for his dark and macabre stories and is often linked to absinthe, though his actual consumption is unclear.
* Ernest Hemingway: The author wrote about absinthe and was known to enjoy it, though it's unlikely he consumed it regularly.
* Oscar Wilde: Wilde is often associated with absinthe due to its popularity in Bohemian circles he frequented. However, concrete evidence of his consumption is lacking.
* Charles Baudelaire: The French poet is said to have enjoyed absinthe and wrote about it in his poems, although there is no definitive proof of his habit.
* Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: The artist often depicted absinthe in his paintings and was known to frequent cafes where it was served.
* Pablo Picasso: Picasso was known to indulge in alcohol, including absinthe, though not as regularly as some other artists.
Other Notable Figures:
* Queen Victoria: The queen's husband, Prince Albert, was known to enjoy absinthe.
* Napoleon III: The French Emperor was believed to enjoy absinthe, though the extent of his consumption remains unclear.
* King Louis-Philippe I: Absinthe gained significant popularity during his reign in France, and he may have consumed it himself.
It's important to remember:
* While these figures are often linked to absinthe, the actual extent of their consumption is often unclear and based on anecdotal evidence, not documented proof.
* Absinthe was a popular drink in various European countries during the 19th century and was enjoyed by many, not just the famous.
* The myth of absinthe's hallucinogenic effects was exaggerated, and the drink's potency varied widely due to lack of regulation.
It's crucial to approach the historical link between absinthe and famous figures with a critical eye, separating fact from fiction and understanding the cultural context in which the drink was consumed.