Two giants of Western art come together in the so-called Yellow House in Arles for nine weeks in close quarters. Can this go well? It is an experiment. Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) does not want to work alone all the time and therefore invites Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) to join him in southern France. Both artists work feverishly side by side from October to December 1888, inspiring each other and engaging in discussions day and night. However, the differences between their strong personalities are too great. Van Gogh is also extremely easily agitated, leading to quick disputes. In the end, the Dutchman cuts off a piece of his left ear, and the Frenchman departs in shock. Martin Gayford, the wonderful author who modeled for the British artist Lucian Freud years ago and documented that time in an extremely readable diary.