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Related Experiment Videos

Vincent van Gogh and the thujone connection.

W N Arnold1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66103.

JAMA
|November 25, 1988
PubMed
Summary

Vincent van Gogh

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Toxicology
  • Art History

Background:

  • Vincent van Gogh's late-life hallucinations and fits were previously attributed to congenital psychosis.
  • Evidence suggests heavy drinking and absinthe addiction exacerbated his condition.

Discussion:

  • Absinthe contains thujone from wormwood, a terpene known to cause neurological symptoms like convulsions and brain damage.
  • Van Gogh's affinity for camphor and pinene suggests a potential craving for terpenes.

Key Insights:

  • Thujone's neurotoxic effects may explain some of van Gogh's severe symptoms.
  • A terpene craving (pica) could offer a new explanation for his unusual behaviors, including eating paints.

Outlook:

  • Further research into terpene metabolism and neurological effects could illuminate van Gogh's condition.
  • This perspective may reshape our understanding of the interplay between art, addiction, and neurological illness.