December 23, 1888. Van Gogh mutilated his earlobe during a fit of dementia while staying in Arles, France.<br />The Dutch painter was sharing a house at the time with fellow artist Paul Gauguin.<br />Van Gogh allegedly lashed out at Gauguin with a knife before using it on himself.<br />He is said to have given his earlobe to a prostitute who worked at a nearby brothel.<br />Van Gogh checked himself into a mental hospital in Saint-Remy following a brief hospitalization in Arles.<br />During this period, he experienced intense moments of creativity, painting some of his most known works, such as 'The Starry Night.' <br />Though he sold only one painting during his lifetime, Van Gogh's work now auctions for prices in the tens of millions.
