Van Gogh's "Starry Night": All About One of the World's Most Famous Paintings

Contents:

• Van Gogh on a Starry Night
• The Starry Night in Van Gogh
• The Starry Night Beyond Van Gogh

Van Gogh on a Starry Night

In May 1889, in the southern French town of Saint-Rémy, Van Gogh entered the sanatorium of the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastery. This decision was the result of a severe epileptic seizure that had occurred just a few months before his arrival. The seizure was triggered by a tense quarrel with Paul Gauguin, with whom Van Gogh collaborated and who significantly influenced his work. In the hospital, the artist sought peace and restoration, which was subsequently reflected in his works, saturated with emotion and bright colors, which became iconic for his work.

In Saint-Rémy, Vincent van Gogh sought to restore his health and, if possible, avoid severe attacks. From this place, as from others, the artist wrote to his brother Theo - the closest person who supported him in his last years. Theo not only bought canvases, paints, and books, but also paid for Vincent's stay in the hospital. This support played a key role in the artist's life, allowing him to continue creating despite mental health difficulties.

In the asylum where Van Gogh was staying, a separate room was allocated. The room's interior was modest: it contained only a bed, a chair, a small chest of drawers, and an easel placed near a barred window with curtains. This furnishings reflected the simplicity of the artist's life during a period when he was searching for inspiration and peace.

These curtains are perhaps the legacy of an unfortunate rich deceased patient, and they are truly impressive. The same origins seem to be shared by an old armchair upholstered in a vibrant fabric in the style of Diaz or Monticelli: brown, red, pink, white, cream, black, sky blue, and bottle green create a harmonious combination. A barred window overlooks a walled wheat field—a Van Gogh-esque landscape over which the sun rises each morning, filling the space with bright light and warmth.

The doctors' care brings Vincent tangible benefits. Initially, there was discussion that, due to his condition, the artist might be prohibited from working and leaving the monastery. However, upon his arrival, the director of the hospital, Dr. Peyron, showed understanding and allocated Vincent a separate room for a studio. Moreover, he allowed him to work in the hospital's surroundings, which significantly improved his mental state and allowed him to continue creating.

Due to the fact that more than thirty rooms are available in this building, I have the opportunity to use another room for work.

During the period of his life when Van Gogh was depressed, he did not create new works, but did not express dissatisfaction with the hospital. On the contrary, he noted that he had no desire to leave this place. A month after his hospitalization, a modest diet, quitting smoking, and daily two-hour baths contributed to his return to a focused and calm state, which provided impetus for creativity. In June, Vincent wrote to his brother:

This morning, until sunrise, I enjoyed the view of the fields illuminated by the bright morning star, which seemed especially large.

Work on the famous painting "The Starry Night" began from this moment.

"The Starry Night" in Van Gogh

Van Gogh captured the scene that would later become the basis for his famous painting at night. However, to create the work, he worked on it in several sessions throughout the following day. The artist used oil paints on a 73.7 x 92.1 cm canvas, allowing him to convey the vibrancy and emotional intensity of his vision.

Van Gogh uses broad, expressive brushstrokes, unlike the more cautious approach of Claude Monet or Camille Pissarro. His technique avoids the stippling of his beloved pointillist, Georges Seurat. Instead, he employs long, curved lines and rows, creating an effect in which the colors blend in the viewer's perception. This unique approach allows Van Gogh to convey emotion and dynamism, turning each painting into a vibrant visual experience.

White, light blue, and blue create a harmonious composition, reflecting the mistral—a cold northwesterly wind. Van Gogh often mentioned this wind in his letters to Theo, including a message dated June 9th. This natural element inspired the artist, helping him convey dynamism and emotion in his works. The mistral became not only an element of landscapes but also a symbol of change and inner movement, which emphasizes the depth of his work.

I'm still recovering from a difficult week—the work was so intense that I don't have the energy for anything else. Today the mistral is raging especially strongly, raising clouds of dust, and the trees look white from this coating.

The wind, curling among the stars, resembles a spiral galaxy, and the even light emanating from the stars creates harmony between the cosmos and earthly nature. The viewer gazes upon a fairytale sky, strewn with lights, as if from a child's bedroom, evoking a sense of peace and awe. This spectacle immerses one in a fantasy world where every element of nature and the cosmos merges into a single symphony of beauty.

The brightest spot of color in the painting is located at the bottom and represents the planet Venus. In 1886, astronomer Charles Allen Whitney determined that Venus reached its maximum brightness in early June 1889, making it visible to the naked eye from Provence. Van Gogh called this planet "the great morning star," emphasizing its significance in his artistic perception. Venus, as a symbol of beauty and inspiration, plays an important role in the artist's work, reflecting his desire to convey vivid emotions and natural harmony in painting.

Van Gogh's room has survived to this day, which has allowed art historians to determine that the artist could not see the town of Saint-Rémy depicted in the painting from his window. This suggests that Vincent added the view from a different angle. The cypress, although visible, was located at a considerable distance, which indicates that the artist deliberately placed it in the foreground. This decision made the tree visually larger and emphasized its importance in the composition, connecting the earth and sky. Thus, Van Gogh used perspective and compositional techniques to create depth and expressiveness in his landscape.

The church spire depicted in the painting is not typical of France. On the contrary, it is typical of Holland. This observation leads experts to speculate that Van Gogh not only changed the arrangement of objects but also included elements from his childhood memories in the work. This adds depth and personal context to his work, emphasizing the artist's connection to his home country and its influence on the perception of the world around him.

"Starry Night" is one of Van Gogh's most famous paintings, but it is not the master's only work dedicated to night landscapes. Other significant works include "Starry Night Over the Rhone" and "Cafe Terrace at Night," created in 1888. However, during his stay in Saint-Rémy, Van Gogh no longer considered them to be his most successful works. These paintings, despite their popularity, did not satisfy the artist, who was looking for new ways to express his inner experiences and vision of the world.

These two paintings create a vivid color contrast that can inspire other artists to successfully use night effects in their work.

"The Starry Night" is a unique work by Van Gogh, as it is the only night painting Created by him during the daytime, it best reflects his perception of the magic of the night, which the artist sought to convey through contrasting elements. This painting not only demonstrates his mastery of color and light but also serves as a vivid example of his deeply emotional relationship with the world around him. Van Gogh used the night sky as a symbol of inspiration and profound emotion, making "The Starry Night" an integral part of his artistic legacy.

Night often seems more intense and alive than day. In the darkness, new colors and sounds are revealed, creating a unique atmosphere. The night world is full of mysteries, and it is during this period that the special beauty of nature is revealed. The silence of the night allows you to experience the surrounding space more deeply, making it more expressive. The night inspires reflection and creates unique moments that are difficult to convey in words.

"The Starry Night" Beyond Van Gogh

Hopes for a cure were not justified: Van Gogh, while in the asylum, experienced several attacks. In July 1890, he died from the effects of a suicide attempt. His brother Theo died six months later, at the age of 33. The painting "The Starry Night" changed hands several times until it was transferred to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1941. This work has become a symbol of Van Gogh's artistic genius and an important milestone in art history.

Van Gogh's last letter to Theo remained unsent and was in the artist's possession on the day of his death. This letter symbolizes the deep bond between the brothers and reflects Van Gogh's inner experiences. In it, he shares his thoughts and feelings that were never voiced. The significance of this letter goes beyond simple communication; it becomes an important part of Van Gogh's legacy, highlighting his emotional state and the complex relationships with his family.

Our paintings speak for themselves. Each work is a reflection of our vision and creative approach. We strive to convey emotions and ideas through art, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in a unique atmosphere. Each canvas is not just a painting, but a whole story waiting to be discovered.

The letters are taken from the book "Van Gogh. Letters," published in 1966 by Iskusstvo Publishing House. This publication contains unique materials that provide a deeper understanding of Van Gogh's personality and work. Each letter reveals his thoughts, feelings, and artistic ideas, demonstrating his inner world and creative process. Studying these letters is important for art lovers and those interested in Van Gogh's biography.