The Starry Night

The Starry Night is one of Vincent van Gogh’s most famous paintings and has become a symbol of Expressionism. Created in June 1889, this masterpiece depicts the night sky over Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (France), where the artist was staying in a mental asylum.

The painting impresses with its dynamism and emotional intensity. Van Gogh used rich colors and smooth, swirling brushstrokes that create a sense of movement. The main focus is the starry sky, glowing with whirls of blue, yellow, and white, conveying the depth of the cosmic infinity.

The artwork portrays the view from the eastern window of the artist’s room in the asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, shortly before sunrise, with the addition of an imaginary village.

Although Van Gogh painted The Starry Night from memory, it reflects his inner state. Some believe that the painting represents his longing for peace and a search for spirituality. The influence of Japanese art, which fascinated Van Gogh, is also noticeable.

The brightest “star” in the painting (to the right of the cypress tree) is the planet Venus. Researchers have determined that Venus (sometimes called the “morning star”) was indeed visible at dawn in Provence in the spring of 1889 and was at its peak brightness at that time.

The Starry Night captivates viewers with its unique style and deep emotional impact. It has inspired artists, musicians, and even scientists. Today, the painting is housed in the Museum of Modern Art in New York (since 1941) and is one of the most famous artworks in the world.

P.S. Image attribution: Vincent van Gogh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons