‘Starry Night’ - one of the most celebrated paintings by Van Gogh.
A stunning and meaningful piece rich in history and meaning, more than what meets the eye.
Van Gogh painted Starry Night in 1889, while staying in the Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum in France, where he was surrounded by nature.
The asylum became a place of refuge for him, where he channeled his turmoil into creativity, creating one of the most famous art pieces, filled with emotion.
Though Starry Night is believed to depict the view from his asylum window, the painting blends reality with his imagination.
The rolling hills, cypress trees and village were inspired by what he could remember from Dutch landscapes.
Entwined with the swirling sky, bursting with energy, this reflects his inner emotional state, opposing an astronomically accurate view.
The celestial elements: the glowing moon, blazing stars and turbulent heavens symbolise his longing for peace amidst his turbulent instability.
Despite the richly developed masterpiece, Van Gogh dismissed it as a failure.
Starry Night gained recognition post humously and became the emblem of Van Gogh’s genius, a window into his soul.
Starry Night inspires as a reflection of resilience and the profound beauty he found in his darkest moments.
As an artist myself, I think it is important to know the history behind an art piece to create a deeper appreciation for the artist’s intention and influence.
Knowledge can deepen a piece’s meaning, symbolism and contribution to innovation, as each artist embeds themselves in their art.
By exploring the meaning and background behind art, viewers develop a deeper intellectual understanding of how art reflects and interacts with human experience.
