This article examines the last 18 months of Van Gogh’s life. The author applies psychoanalytic theory to the artist’s writings & paintings in an effort to clarify his motives for suicide. Influences of Gaugin, Vincent’s brother & Roulin are discussed. A detailed analysis of Van Gogh’s correspondance, ‘La Berceuse’ & ‘Crows over the Wheatfield’ is presented. (16 refs) (SC)