July 29, 1890: Artist Vincent van Gogh Dies of Gunshot Wound
On this day in 1890, Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh passed away from a fatal gunshot wound from two days earlier. There is still speculation as to whether or not the shot was self-inflicted, though the last years of van Gogh’s life were marked by his deteriorating mental health and depression.
Van Gogh’s fame increased after his death, and his artwork has now become some of the most recognizable and sought-after pieces ever. With his paintings now going for millions of dollars, museum curators and collectors must be on the lookout for forged van Gogh paintings.
NOVA scienceNOW investigates whether a computer can distinguish between an original van Gogh painting and a fake.
