What really happened at the Yellow House in Arles in 1888
Presented by Julian Halsby
(9th June 2026)
Disturbing events at the Yellow House in Arles
At the June meeting members of The Art Society Alton enjoyed an outstanding lecture by Julian Halsby on the relationship between Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin. Drawing on contemporary sources, he brought the artists to life by exploring both their work, private lives and what became a troubled relationship.
Why Vincent chose Arles is unknown but financed by his art dealer younger brother, in February 1888 he headed down to the delightful historic town of Arles in the south of France. The sunny environment opened his eyes to a new way to use light and colours. He had never been so dramatic and bold. It was a period of great creativity for him, and the first time he had his own home. He visited the coast to paint and made friends with local families in the town, some of whom posed for him - Joseph Roulin the town postman being one well-known portrait of the time. He hoped that other artists would come and join him in Arles, creating an artist’s colony like the ones developing around the same time in Newlyn and St Ives in Cornwall.
Back in Paris Theo van Gogh had sold pictures for Gaugin and thought he could be a good influence on his brother. Quite why Gaugin decided to accept the offer is unknown but curiosity, a lack of cash and an opportunity of an all expenses paid winter down south probably played a part.
Early on 23 October 1888, Gauguin arrived at the railway station in Arles after a gruelling 600-kilometre journey from Paris, to stay with van Gogh. At first, the arrangement worked well, despite the basic conditions of the Yellow House which Vincent had rented and the two artists painted together in the countryside around the town. However with their widely diverse backgrounds and characters they were destined to fall out.
Before long, the inevitable tensions emerged. Gauguin urged van Gogh to paint from memory, an approach his host found difficult and unsatisfying. He also struggled with van Gogh’s intense enthusiasm, constant talk about art and the future and his impulsive style of painting.
Van Gogh became increasingly jealous of Gauguin’s greater success, including his popularity with the local ladies and the fact that he was able to sell paintings through his brother, Theo, while Vincent sold none. Matters came to a head on 23 December 1888, when Gauguin fled the Yellow House fearing for his life. Van Gogh then cut off part of his right ear and delivered it in a box to a local brothel. This incident was another sign of the mental health difficulties that would continue to plague van Gogh for the remainder of his short life. He subsequently spent time in psychiatric hospitals and moved between periods of inertia, depression, and intense artistic activity; his paintings continued to reflect the vivid colours and striking light of the landscapes around him.
During a severe bout of depression in July 1890 it is thought that he shot himself, although this remains a matter of conjecture. He died of septicaemia two days later aged 37 and was buried in the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, near Paris, where he had been living.
Theo van Gogh who had stored the bulk of Vincent's work in Paris, died six months later aged 33. His widow, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, returned to Holland with the collection, and dedicated herself to ensuring her brother-in-law received the recognition he deserved. In 1914 she published Vincent van Gogh's letters between the two brothers. The same year she had Theo reinterred in Auvers-sur-Oise, in a grave alongside his brother.
Modern visitors to Arles are disappointed to find the Yellow House was severely damaged by American bombs on 25 June 1944, being collateral damage during an air raid on nearby railway bridges. It was later demolished. However there is a self-guided Van Gogh walking trail in Arles and along the way one can view metal easels displaying reproductions of his paintings in front of the actual historic locations that inspired his masterpieces. A pity I didn’t know about this when I was there a few years back!
Tony Cross
Vincent Van Gogh (1886)
Paul Gagun (1891)
Both photographs: Wiki Commons