The Incident at Arles

From such torment, such enduring beauty. Just recently, we followed Vincent Van Gogh's footsteps in Arles, Provence. We did not, however, follow them as far as they led - for this was a famously tormented man: mental illness latterly diagnosed as bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, temporal lobe epilepsy and depression, exacerbated by malnutritian and alcohol abuse, leading ultimately to hospitalization and suicide. A tormented genius indeed. Most people remember the dramatic incident where he cut his ear after a terrible argument with his brother, sometime protector and art agent. I've often wondered what went through his mind at that moment.

But this troubled man Van Gogh "saw the light" of Provence, and painted it. From this troubled soul came the glorious light of Provence, the revolutionary splintering light and colour, for which we remember him. So it was deeply moving for me to follow our incomparable guide as we walked the streets and lanes of Arles, and stopped to pay homage to Van Gogh in several sites he immortalized in his work.  

These photos are of the sun-dappled courtyard of La Maison de Sante in Arles. After his dramatic self-harm episode, Vincent was taken by brother Theo to this hospital for a recovery. According to our guide, he was remarkably prolific in this environment. 

The gardens and porticos have been restored to the colour and vibrancy which inspired the hospitalized artist. I turned my back on the tempting souvenir shop and gobbled up the light and colour.

We passed two other locations which appear in Van Gogh's work. The Roman arena was the setting for bullfights and other spectacles; Vincent captured the "magnificent crowds" in all their colour and motion. This interpretive panel outside the arena's walls explains. 

And finally Van Gogh's Cafe Terrasse at Night. I neglected to get a photo of the information posted outside Le Cafe a Nuit. The cafe has been verified as its inspiration, despite claims made by others. Could I have been distracted  by the loveliness of the square in front of the yellow cafe? Once again I thank Wikipedia for the painting (and yes, I am a supporter.) The most beautiful squares are sheltered by Provence's magnificent (and endangered) plane trees.

Frederic Mistral

And in a great example of art imitating life imitating art - I read somewhere that the cafe has been decorated in recent years to mirror the painting! 

Finally, if this song has popped into your mind, as it plays in mine, here is a YouTube link to Don McLean's lovely 1971 tune, Starry Starry Night.

And if someone can tell me how to create French accents in Blogger, I would be most obliged.