In 1888, Vincent van Gogh's heavy consumption of absinthe while painting in Arles, France, became a notable aspect of his artistic life. This period of intense creativity was marked by his exploration of color and form, but also by struggles with mental health. Van Gogh's relationship with absinthe and other alcohols has been interpreted as both a source of inspiration and a reflection of his tumultuous emotional state, adding complexity to his legacy as an artist.

Vincent van Gogh's absinthe consumption in Arles in 1888 contributed to the legend of the tortured artist, influencing poetic reflections on creativity and mental turmoil. Poets began to explore the intersection of art and madness, capturing the complexities of the creative process.