September 1888
What Is The Context?
The work of art, Starry Night over the Rhone, by Vincent Van Gogh, was painted in Arles. Van Gogh was one of the first painters to pay attention to the sparkling colors of the night sky and artificial lighting. This was one of Van Gogh’s favorite works of art. Therefore, he wrote to his brother several times about it, writing descriptions of all of the angles as well as the colors. This painting was the predecessor to Starry Night, which is Van Gogh’s most well known paintings. I believe that as the predecessor, this painting holds a significant importance for Van Gogh’s art. Location was very important in Van Gogh’s art. The Starry Night Over the Rhone was located from his apartment in Place Lamartine. He was very happy with the view of his apartment and was therefore was inspired to make this painting. He also wrote to his friend Eugene about the painting and how happy he was with his new home. Based on his autobiography, this was the happiest time of his life. This was the last painting he did before he went into his depression. On the other hand, Starry night (written a year later) was painted when he was in an insane asylum, where he was for a significant amount of time, the sky being an important thing to him so he drew that painting, not including the bars on his window.
What is the author communicating and how?
The author, Vincent Van Gogh, painted the work of art, Starry Night over the Rhone, presenting a pleasing and joyful image that has a beautiful landscape view as well as a happy romantic couple. He describes this couple to his friend in a letter as, "two colorful figurines of lovers", although he was not sure if they were married or not, that was to be left to the interpretation of the viewer. We have discovered that this was a picture to display cheerfulness, by Vincent Van Gogh, but there are certain aspects that some people identify with an interpretation of a darker meaning. The original painting was apparently lighter and more evident for this "happy" demonstration. But unfortunately, later in the year when Van Gogh painted the art in oil, it cast a more negative view. This was mainly because of his development of his depression. There is not a distinction between the sky and the water, which was very clear in the original image. The question is, is the boat sinking or docked? The second thing that Van Gogh is communicating is religious. People have noticed that the moon and the stars are surrounded by large halos, like angels. Also, the churches are more noticeable and have more details than all the other buildings. Finally, people think that the title Starry Night alludes to genesis,” Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon and the eleven stars bowed down to me.” Genesis 37:9
Why is it
beautiful?
I think that
this art is beautiful for many different reasons. I think that the night sky is
one of the most beautiful and amazing things that we can look at because there
is so much that we do not know about all of the things out there in space. I
also like the way his brush stokes are, so soft and thick. It all flows together
to make the painting more united. Also, the shine of the water and the
representation of the light in contrast with the darkness are especially
beautiful. I also agree with the spiritual ideas that it attempts to
communicate with the halos and the distinctions of the churches. I would define
this art as good because it is eye catching and easy to look at. This painting
is not overwhelming in bight colors as other “good art” may be. Instead, using
a limited number of colors, Van Gogh was able to make more depth in this piece
with the usage of light and dark shades. I also love the texture of this
painting. His use of a lot of paint makes the painting literally jump out at
you with a 3D effect!
