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Vincent Van Gogh is an artist shrouded in as much mystery as talent. His life was a chaotic whirl of drama and extremism. Many modern art historians speculate that Van Gogh may have actually suffered from a mental illness that caused his manic behavior and lead to his deep depression that eventually cost him his life. Even Theo, Van Gogh’s close and caring brother, seemed unable to save Vincent from his own troubled mind.

The mythology of Van Gogh coupled with his highly expressive painting style have formed a legacy that is both impressive and startling. Was Van Gogh actually crazy or just misunderstood? In 2009, two art historians shocked the world by alleging that Van Gogh’s most famous mentally troubled action of cutting his own ear off had actually been an elaborate story perpetrated by Vincent to cover up a heat-of-the-moment transgression Paul Gauguin had committed when the two men were fighting. The art world rejected the claim insisting that Van Gogh-s crazed image be kept intact.

Whether regarded as crazed genius or talented victim, Van Gogh’s lifestyle and accomplishments in painting and drawing confirm that he shall forever be remembered as the talented artist with the troubled mind.