THE ARTIST IN THE HOSPITAL - THE VANGOGH CASE

As a result of psychotic crises, Vincent van Gogh was hospitalized sev eral times during a period of about a year and a half from December 18 88 to May 1890. The author focuses on van Gogh's intense intrapsychic struggle during this relatively brief but critical time. He discusses how van Gogh's painting not only reflected his struggles but also enab led him, for a time, to stave off the hopelessness and despair that ev entually overwhelmed him, culminating in his suicide. After reviewing possible factors in the artist's illness, the author agrees with other s that the most persuasive explanation involves epileptic underpinning s.