June 15, 2018 https://gruncleodd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/DSCN1694-Chateau-de-la-Riche-Guyon-2-166x190.jpg

As I noted in the previous post, I suspected the tour organizers included a visit to Château de la Roche-Guyon because of its role in the Second World War. The castle served as the headquarters for Field Marshal Erwin Rommel …

June 12, 2018 https://gruncleodd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Monument-aux-morts-143x190.jpg

A cemetery serendipity. Theo van Gogh died on 25 January 1891 – a mere six months after his beloved brother. Theo’s official cause of death was listed as “dementia paralytica caused by heredity, chronic disease, overwork, sadness.” It’s commonly believed that …

June 12, 2018 https://gruncleodd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Van_Gogh_-_Dorfstraße_und_Treppe_in_Auvers_mit_Figuren-190x142.jpeg

Making a case against Van Gogh’s suicide. In the early part of July 1890 Vincent was seemingly in good health. No one reported any breakdowns, he wasn’t writing about madness, and he was painting a lot. However, Theo, who knew …