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