Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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“If my work is that of a madman, well, too bad.” —Vincent van Gogh

It is a popular idea that mental suffering is fertile ground for great creativity, with Van Gogh often cited as the most telling example. This is not surprising given his revolutionary artwork and tragic life. However, how valid is the image of him as a suffering artist? Consider this question and learn more about how he himself perceived the alleged relationship between creativity and mental illness.

Laura Prins, PhD, lecturer of Art History, Utrecht University
Wednesday, May 28, 2025