Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, Research Paper Example

Starry Night

It has been said that Van Gogh follows very strict principals in structure when it comes to his paintings; the distribution of elements of his patenting seem perfect. Starry night gives us an eluding and mystical feel (Soth 13). The widening lines in the sky transforms into clouds with very energetic brushstrokes; below these lay geometric shapes which take form as houses. The composition of this painting is done with great detail in the hypnotizing lines and curves, colored in a gloomy and almost delirious manner. The bottom right of the painting shows luminescent houses which are ablaze like the sky and the horizon seems to rise with this town. However, on the left of the painting is a dark abyss, where the horizon is lower than the rest of the painting. Harris (2002) quoted the painter saying: “When one experiences the stars and infinity with great vividness, then despite the routine, life becomes almost enchanted. When I have a terrible need of—shall I say the word?—religion, then I go out at night to paint the stars.” -Vincent van Gogh. This implies that religion has a lot to do with the meaning of this painting. Van Gogh finds peace and enchantment in the stars. He does not explain why, nor does he state why he is attracted to the stars. It has been said that Van Gogh had an eccentric personality and very unstable moods (Blumer). This may be the meaning behind his painting, Starry Night. Since he did suffer from depression, he might have often looked for an escape, and the world he wanted to venture onto was the world of the stars. This, depicted by his painting.

Works Cited

Harris, JC. “The Starry Night.” Art and Images in Psychiatry. 59.11 (2002): Print.

Blumer, Dietrich. “The Illness of Vincent van Gogh.” American Journal of Psychiatry. 15.9 (2002): 519. Print.

Soth, Lauren. “Van Gogh’s Agony.” Art Bulletin. 68.2 (1986): 13. Print.

“Starry Night.” Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh. Web. 24 Sep 2010. <http://www.vangoghgallery.com/painting/starryindex.html>.