Art analysis

    The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh is, according to Wikipedia, one of the most recognizable pieces of artwork in the western world, and I've recently begun to believe that the title is well deserved. The Starry Night was created June of 1899 during Van Gogh's stay at the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a mental asylum that he was admitted to voluntarily after he chopped off his own ear.

    I first saw The Starry Night sometime during elementary school, when a teacher had it printed out and placed on the wall for random decoration. At the time, I thought it was pretty overrated, which is an opinion I held for many pieces of art because as a child I had 0 appreciation for art in almost any form. I've since seen it like a million times since then since it's so popular, and each time it seems prettier than the last.
    It started out as just another drawing of the night sky with something ominous towering on the left, which was a sight I could see literally any night if I wanted to (minus the ominous structure, I did not see ominous structures every night). Nowadays I do acknowledge that it's something special. The way the sky seems to flow gives it a sense of being animated(as in full of life), and I think the fact that one of the stars is actually Venus, something Van Gogh wouldn't have known, is a pretty cool detail.

Comments

  1. SallieFebruary 7, 2024 at 11:55 AM

    Hey Sawyer,
    "The Starry Night" is one of my favorite pieces of paintings, it really reminds me of the night sky I always looked at (whenever the sky is clear without clouds). But I will say that the history behind it is rather gruesome.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Elliott HinzFebruary 8, 2024 at 11:38 PM

    Sawyer,
    You chose a lovely painting! I've always appreciated the art style used in Van Gogh's "Starry Night", even from the first time I can remember seeing it! It makes sense that it's considered one of the most recognizable pieces of artwork as you mention. I'd never considered how animated the night sky seems to make the painting, but I completely agree with your observation. Not only does it seamlessly blend into the background, but it does so well to draw your attention to the middle in a way I'd never really realized until now. Thanks for the insights on the painting- your views really inspired how I interpret the painting!

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