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Van Gogh’s Ear

Secrets of the Dead is part detective story, part true-life drama that unearths evidence from around the world, challenging prevailing ideas and throwing fresh light on unexplained events.

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Van Gogh’s Ear

Season 16 Episode 2 | 55m 9s | CC

The moment when Vincent van Gogh looked into a mirror, held up a blade and cut into his own ear defines his turbulent life and art. But what did he really do on the night of December 23, 1888, in the town of Arles? What was his state of mind? No one has been clear on the details... until now. Bernadette Murphy, a researcher living in Provence, has uncovered definitive evidence.

SECRETS OF THE DEAD is made possible, in part, by public television viewers.