London, Dec 27 (ANI): Dutch Post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh slashed his ear after learning that his brother, Theo, was about to get married, claims a scholar.

Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear is one of the most famous mutilation in art history, reports The Times.

Now, Martin Bailey, who has written a book on van Gogh and curated two exhibitions of his work, has come out with the reason behind the bandaged ear.

After meticulous detective work on a letter in a painting that the artist completed soon after he injured himself, Bailey came up with the conclusion, adding that van Gogh depended financially and emotionally on Theo.

The expert concludes that this letter was written by Theo from Paris in December 1888 and contained news of his engagement. This, according to him, tipped Vincent, who was already psychologically disturbed, into self-harm.

“Vincent was fearful that he might lose his brother’s emotional and financial support,” writes Bailey in the January edition of The Art Newspaper. (ANI)