Van Gogh and Digitalis

Digitalis can cause direct cardiotoxicity, but the neuroexcitatory effects of digitalis and sympathetic/parasympathetic activity arising from activation of the area postrema of the brainstem can occur at lower doses.3–5 Dr. Gachet was known to use the extract of the Foxglove plant (digitalis) to treat psychotic conditions.6,7 One of the toxicities known to digitalis is blue-green swirling distortions of one's vision. The Scientific Director of the Van Gogh Institute, an organization that preserves the artist's work at the Auberge Ravoux, the Inn in Auvers-sur-Oise where he stayed when he fatally shot himself and died 2 days later on July 29, 1890 has made a remarkable observation. Andrles Bonger, the brother-in-law of Theo Van Gogh, Vincent's brother wrote that “the morning before his (Vincent's) death he had painted a forest scene full of sun and life.”