Vincent van Gogh, Self-Portrait Dedicated to Paul Gauguin (detail), 1888. Oil on canvas. Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Bequest from the Collection of Maurice Wertheim, Class of 1906. © President and Fellows of Harvard College.
Vincent van Gogh, Self-Portrait Dedicated to Paul Gauguin (detail), 1888. Oil on canvas. Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Bequest from the Collection of Maurice Wertheim, Class of 1906. © President and Fellows of Harvard College.
Van Gogh and The “Mad Genius” Debate
1:00 pm–2:30 pm
Tickets (Member / Nonmember)
In-Person $28 / $35
Livestream $16 / $20
“If my work is that of a madman, well, too bad.” —Vincent van Gogh
It is a popular idea that mental suffering is fertile ground for great creativity, with Van Gogh often cited as the most telling example. This is not surprising given his revolutionary artwork and tragic life. However, how valid is the image of him as a suffering artist? Consider this question and learn more about how he himself perceived the alleged relationship between creativity and mental illness.
Laura Prins, PhD, lecturer of Art History, Utrecht University
Course Packages
Purchase a ticket package for the full ten-session “Van Gogh: Portraiture, Influence, and Legacy” course. Please note that this option is not available after the date of the first session.
Assistive listening system
Wheelchair accessible
Ticket Information
To order tickets by phone, call 1-800-440-6975 ($6 processing fee applies); to order in person, visit any MFA ticket desk.
Livestream Tickets
The livestream ticket gives access to a live feed of the event that can be watched remotely. You must be logged in to the account used to purchase the ticket in order to access the livestream on the Video Content page. Please log in at least 5 minutes before the start of the event to test your connection.
Livestream ticket holders must watch the event live; there is no recording of the event available for viewing at a later time.
Bag Checks
All bags are subject to inspection by Museum staff. Backpacks, large bags, all liquids including hand sanitizer and sunscreen, and outside food or drink are not permitted. Exceptions are made for medical or religious needs. All bags are strongly discouraged, and any bags larger than 11” x 15” must be checked in the Coat Room upon entry. Read our full bag check policy.