I am a student in in a clinical psychology program and am attempting to write a 30 page paper on Van Gogh. Information I need is not easy to find. Any literature you could direct me to on his life, his illness, his treatment, and his behaviors, would be greatly appreciated. I know the basic story; but I can't use myself as a source of information. Other artists who suffered from mental health issues would also be appreciated with literature sources to assist in writing my paper. I appreciate you help--thank you.

"Lust for Life" is a great book on the subject. For an extremely personal glimpse into his thoughts check out "The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh". A collection of letters he sent to his brother Theo.

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Originally Posted by mrszipple12

I am a student in in a clinical psychology program and am attempting to write a 30 page paper on Van Gogh. Information I need is not easy to find. Any literature you could direct me to on his life, his illness, his treatment, and his behaviors, would be greatly appreciated. I know the basic story; but I can't use myself as a source of information. Other artists who suffered from mental health issues would also be appreciated with literature sources to assist in writing my paper. I appreciate you help--thank you.

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Please go to your college or public library and enlist the aid of a reference librarian. They will show you how to do a literature search using a variety of keywords and get printouts of articles, abstracts, and bibliographies. If you Google on Internet using "famous artists mental illness," you will pull up some interesting and helpful sites.

Yep, your only real option will be to do a lot of good searching around at your university's libraries. Not long from now, you're going to be asking how to narrow down the information that's out there. There have been innumerable studies on every aspect of Van Gogh as a man, of his life, and of his works.

I've read many books on creativity and madness; they delve into the lives and works of famously creative people to study the relationships between their genius and their psychological disorders. I find it absolutely fascinating. I think you're in for a great ride.

Hi, mrszipple12!

Information that can be found via clicking on the following links should also be of help to you.

The Illness of Vincent van Gogh -- Blumer 159 (4): 519 -- Am J Psychiatry

Vincent van Gogh - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vincent van Gogh's life - The Later Years

Creativity and chronic disease Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

Vincent van Gogh Biography

Are you limited to just visual artists who suffered from mental health issues? There are many musicians who also suffered from mental health issues.

Thanks!