STARRY NIGHT is one of the most recognized
pieces of art in the world. It is absolutely everywhere, too. It can be
seen on coffee, mugs, t-shirts, towels, magnets, etc. Honestly, it
sometimes feels as if the painting’s fame has exceeded that of its
creator. It is a magnificent piece of art. That Starry Night resonates
with so many people is a testament to how its beauty is timeless and
universal.
THE STORY OF STARRY NIGHT
Vincent van Gogh painted Starry Night in 1889 during his stay at the
asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Van Gogh
lived well in the hospital; he was allowed more freedoms than any of the
other patients. If attended, he could leave the hospital grounds; he was
allowed to paint, read, and withdraw into his own room. He was even
given a studio. While he suffered from the occasional relapse into
paranoia and fits - officially he had been diagnosed with epileptic fits
- it seemed his mental health was recovering. Unfortunately, he
relapsed. He began to suffer hallucination and have thoughts of suicide
as he plunged into depression. Accordingly, there was a tonal shift in
his work. He returned to incorporating the darker colors from the
beginning of his career and Starry Night is a wonderful example of that
shift. Blue dominates the painting, blending hills into the sky. The
little village lays at the base in the painting in browns, greys, and
blues. Even though each building is clearly outlined in black, the
yellow and white of the stars and the moon stand out against the sky,
drawing the eyes to the sky. They are the big attention grabber of the
painting.
Have a peek on Wikipedia
