Paul Gachet

Paul Gachet

Dr. Paul Gachet (30 July 1828 – 9 January 1909) was a French physician most famously remembered for treating the painter Vincent van Gogh during the final months of van Gogh's life. Beyond his medical practice, Gachet was an amateur painter and engraver, a friend and patron of several Impressionist artists, and an important figure in the art world of late 19th-century France.

Early Life and Education

Paul Gachet was born in Lille, France, in 1828. He pursued medical studies in Paris, where he developed an interest in mental health. Gachet was particularly influenced by the work of Jean-Martin Charcot, a leading neurologist of the time, although there is no direct evidence they met. After completing his medical degree, Gachet established a practice in Paris, focusing on homeopathy and the treatment of mental illness.

Career and Involvement with Artists

In the 1870s, Gachet became involved with the Impressionist movement, forming friendships with several artists, including Camille Pissarro, Paul Cézanne, and later, Vincent van Gogh. His home in Auvers-sur-Oise, a village north of Paris, became a haven for artists, and Gachet often provided medical care in exchange for artwork. He was known for his holistic approach to treating depression and mental illness, incorporating art therapy into his treatments. In May 1890, Vincent van Gogh moved to Auvers-sur-Oise on the recommendation of his brother, Theo, to be under the care of Dr. Gachet. Van Gogh found a kindred spirit in Gachet, describing him as "sicker than I am, I think, or shall we say just as much." Despite—or perhaps because of—their shared melancholy, Gachet's treatment was initially beneficial to van Gogh, who was prolific in his painting during this period. However, van Gogh's condition deteriorated, and he died in July 1890, widely believed to be by suicide.

Legacy

Dr. Paul Gachet's legacy is twofold: as a physician and as a figure in the art world. His approach to treating mental illness was progressive for his time, emphasizing the therapeutic value of art. Gachet's collection of Impressionist art, much of it received as payment for medical services, became highly valuable. His son, Paul Gachet Jr., eventually donated many pieces to French museums. Gachet himself was the subject of several paintings, including two portraits by Vincent van Gogh, one of which, "Portrait of Dr. Gachet," sold for a record price at auction in 1990. These portraits have contributed to the enduring fascination with Gachet's relationship with van Gogh and the broader Impressionist movement.

Death

Paul Gachet died in 1909 in Auvers-sur-Oise. His contributions to both medicine and art continue to be recognized, with his home in Auvers serving as a museum dedicated to his life and the artists he befriended.