Starry Night is a painting by Vincent Willem van Gogh, painted during treatment in a hospital for the mentally ill. The author himself considered it an unsuccessful work. But art critics believe that the work reflects the artist’s desire to go beyond being and formal logic.
The canvas depicts a view from the east window of Van Gogh’s room in Saint-Remy-de-Provence in the hour before dawn. Circular strokes combined with color transitions create the impression that the light is spreading. The spiral patterns in the sky convey a sense of endless movement. Their dynamics are balanced by the static of rural buildings and cypress trees. This demonstrates the strength of earthly existence and its stability.
Author: Vincent Willem Van Gogh (1853-1890).
Year of writing: 1889.
Size: 73.7 x 92.1 cm.
Style: Post-Impressionism.
Genre: City landscape.
Technique: Oil painting.
Material: Canvas.
Location: Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan.
Painting Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh: symbolism of heightened imagination
Vincent Willem Van Gogh is a Dutch post-impressionist painter, whose creative activity had a significant impact on the art of the 20th century. The painter synthesized drawing and color in order not only to accurately convey the essence of the object, but also to express his inner world.
The incredible dynamism of the work testifies to the emotional experiences of the genius. Researchers of the Starry Night masterpiece find that the painting is inspired by the religious mood of the master and reflects the dreams of Joseph from the 37th chapter of Genesis (Bible, Old Testament).
One of the fragments tells that Joseph saw the sun, moon and eleven bright stars. All this corresponds to the image on the canvas. Both the stars and the crescent are surrounded by shining halos, the cosmic light of which illuminates the quiet life of a small village. The bright blue and yellow color scheme attracts the eyes of the audience. And the spiral shapes make you think that a person’s stay on earth is devoid of ultimate meaning.
