Before the post that started this thread, I'd never heard that he was in any way a danger to others. A long time ago I read his correspondence with his brother, Theo, who was an art dealer in Paris, I think. This was a good guy. I'm really very doubtful about these physical altercations with Gauguin. French people (like Gauguin) are very verbally aggressive but not physically. So, if you ever did go back in time and meet with van Gogh I really think you could sit down in that night cafe with him that he's painted and not worry about being assaulted. Take care!