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Andrey Kolmogorov during the 1940's, suggesting that these patterns may be phenomena that Vincent Van Gogh actually saw in real time as opposed to simply with his inner creative eye. Many theories have been formed as to what exactly would cause this if it is so, including the taking of large doses of digitalis. (It is possible that Van Gogh had been prescribed digitalis by his doctor to help control epilepsy.) Heavy dosage of this drug can also sometimes cause takers to experience changes in color perception, including yellow-tinted vision, as can lead poisoning, a possible result of working with lead-based paints as Van Gogh was known to have done. (Van Gogh is also known for his dynamic and unusual use of color - especially yellow.) Some of the mental disorders he is thought to have suffered from, such as schizophrenia, can also possibly cause such visual hallucinations.

However, although it is possible and even likely that health issues did affect and contribute to the work of Vincent Van Gogh, there is no denying that he was also very much an artistic genius. Van Gogh had an active interest in the arts and a passion to create from early on. At 15, he was working as an art dealer for Goupil & Cie, one of 19th century France's most distinguished art dealers. This was a happy period in the life of Van Gogh during which he accomplished much, earned large amounts of money, and developed a strong passion for creating art as well. Vincent also had a strong passion for religion, spent some subsequent time working as a missionary, and attended the Royal Academy of Art with the intention of combining the two passions. Vincent was especially interested in the images and lives of everyday people, often using neighbors where he lived as subjects for some of his drawings and early paintings. "The Potato Eaters", often considered to be his first major work, is a good example. As with many big questions, there is not one answer to the question of whether Van Gogh's body of incredible work was the product of genius or madness. It is very likely a little of both, as art is not something that can be disconnected from the artist himself or the events and trials of his life.

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