“It was still expected that the ear was given to a random bedfellow of the painter, or to a prostitute,” writes The Art Newspaper.
It is noted that the book “Van Gogh’s Ear: Truthful Story” by Bernadette Murphy offered journalists a hint. The author promised the woman’s relatives that they wouldn't mention her surname, only her name.
Gabriel’s treatment, however, forced her family into debt and she was pressured to work in a whorehouse. She was too young to be registered as a prostitute, so she worked there as a maid.
It is reported that Van Gogh, who suffered from psychological disorders, gave his ear to the young Gabriel Berlate.
After a while, Berlate got married and lived a long, happy life, but she never mentioned her secret meeting with Van Gogh to anyone.
