The renowned Dutch artist, Vincent Van Gogh, displayed his creative genius in myriad nighttime paintings – the most famous being Starry Night and Starry Night Over The Rhone. These masterful works capture a stunning night sky filled with shimmering stars above a glistening riverbank.
The painting Starry Night Over The Rhône is one of Vincent Van Gogh’s nighttime series paintings. This painting was painted from a scene of the River Rhone in Arles, France, near his Yellow House. He painted the painting during nighttime and it is considered one of Van Gogh’s most iconic and vital paintings.
Table of Contents
- About The Starry Night Over The Rhône (1888) By Vincent Van Gogh
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Questions
About The Starry Night Over The Rhône (1888) By Vincent Van Gogh
The Starry Night Over The Rhône, 1888, by Vincent Van Gogh, is one of the most iconic and essential paintings in art history. The painting was created during a transitional time for the artist; it features a unique combination of his signature brushstrokes and color palettes not found in other works from this period.
The scene depicts a night sky over the Rhône river in Arles, France, and was captured during Van Gogh’s stay in Arles. The painting is currently housed at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, where visitors can view it.
When Van Gogh arrived in Arles, he wanted to paint a night sky. He was fascinated with how the nighttime could be painted. We know that Van Gogh wanted to paint some night scenes through many letters with his brother and others.
In a letter to his friend and fellow artist Emile Bernard, he wrote this about the night sky:
“But when will I do the starry sky, then, that painting that’s always on my mind? 5 Alas, alas, it’s just as our excellent pal Cyprien says, in ‘En ménage’ by J. K. Huysmans: the most beautiful paintings are those one dreams of while smoking a pipe in one’s bed, but which one doesn’t make. But it’s a matter of attacking them nevertheless, however incompetent one may feel vis-à-vis the ineffable perfections of nature’s glorious splendours.
Vincent van Gogh To Emile Bernard – 19 June 1888
Starry Night Over The Rhône Was Painted In September 1888
Van Gogh wrote to his friend Emile Bernard in June 1888 about wanting to paint a nighttime scene. It was not until September of that year that he started to paint his nighttime scenes.
The Starry Night Over The Rhône was made in September 1888, and during that month, he also painted some other nighttime scenes, including Cafe Terrace at Night and The Portrait of Eugene Boch. These three paintings: Starry Night Over The Rhône, Cafe Terrace At Night, and the Portrait of Eugene Boch, are nighttime scenes.
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We know that Van Gogh was intrigued by these nighttime paintings and that he liked them very much. He painted his friend and fellow artist Eugene Boch and explained to him in a letter how he liked the nighttime version so much more than the daytime version.
In his letter to Eugene Boch, he said:
“Your portrait is in my bedroom, with the one of Milliet the Zouave that I’ve just done.10 I’d very much like to ask you to do an exchange with me of one of your studies of the coal-mines.11 Wait, I’ll send you a study first then, which I’m sure will be one of those that will seem entirely unfamiliar to you. Because if you saw the night studies, you’d perhaps like them better than the studies of sunlight. Well, let me decide. Because I sincerely hope that our relationship, once embarked upon, will last for good.”
Vincent Van Gogh to Eugene Boch – 2 October 1888
Van Gogh exchanged paintings with Eugene Boch for this self-portrait of Eugene Boch with one of the paintings Van Gogh exchanged with Boch in June 1890.
Actual Location Of The Starry Night Over The Rhone By Vincent Van Gogh
The “Starry Night Over The Rhône” location was about a 5 minutes walk from Van Gogh’s Yellow house in Arles, France. The painting is a painting that he would have painted on the banks of the River Rhone in France.
On the banks of the River Rhone, Van Gogh would have had a clear view of the night sky and the stars reflecting on the calm waters of the river in front of him, which inspired this peaceful painting.
Van Gogh loved the challenge of painting at night. He picked the perfect vantage point for the Starry Night over the Rhône with the gas lighting in Arles reflecting on the water of the Rhone. Also shown in the foreground at two lovers strolling by the river banks.
In speaking of this painting, he wrote this to his friend Eugene Boch:
“And lastly, a study of the Rhône, of the town under gaslight and reflected in the blue river.
Vincent Van Gogh to Eugene Boch – 2 October 1888
With the starry sky above — with the Great Bear — with a pink and green sparkle on the cobalt blue field of the night sky, while the light of the town and its harsh reflections are of a red gold and a green tinged with bronze. Painted at night.
The Starry Night Over The Rhone is one of Van Gogh’s most beautiful and iconic nighttime landscapes. Viewing this painting makes it easy to see why this tranquil setting is such a popular and important painting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Vincent Van Gogh to paint “Starry Night Over The Rhône”?
Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the night sky and the reflections on the Rhone River in Arles, France. He found profound beauty in the nighttime scene and sought to capture it on canvas.
When was “Starry Night Over The Rhône” painted?
The painting was created in 1888 during Van Gogh’s time in Arles. The exact date is believed to be September 1888.
What is the significance of the Rhone River in the painting?
The Rhone River serves as the backdrop, reflecting the vibrant colors of the night sky. It adds depth and a sense of tranquility to the composition.
How did Van Gogh approach the portrayal of the night sky in this painting?
Van Gogh’s unique brushwork and use of vibrant, swirling colors depict a dynamic and emotive night sky. He aimed to convey the energy and movement he perceived in the stars.
Are there any hidden meanings or symbols in “Starry Night Over The Rhône”?
While interpretations may vary, some art historians suggest that the stars and their arrangement in the painting may hold personal or spiritual significance for Van Gogh. Others see it as an expression of his emotional state.
What techniques did Van Gogh employ in creating this masterpiece?
Van Gogh used impasto, a technique where paint is applied thickly to create a textured surface. This imparts a sense of movement and intensity to the painting.
Is “Starry Night Over The Rhône” part of any museum’s collection?
Yes, the painting is housed in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France. It is a part of their impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
How does “Starry Night Over The Rhône” differ from Van Gogh’s other famous night painting, “Starry Night”?
While both paintings share a nocturnal theme, “Starry Night Over The Rhône” focuses on the riverbank and a serene atmosphere, whereas “Starry Night” depicts a more fantastical, dreamlike village scene.
What impact did “Starry Night Over The Rhône” have on Van Gogh’s career?
The painting is considered one of Van Gogh’s masterpieces and has contributed significantly to his legacy as an influential artist. It showcases his distinctive style and artistic vision.
How has “Starry Night Over The Rhône” been interpreted by art critics and scholars?
Art critics have praised the painting for its emotional intensity, bold use of color, and Van Gogh’s ability to convey a deep connection between nature and the human spirit. Scholars often analyze the painting in the context of Van Gogh’s life and mental state during the time of its creation.
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Related Questions
42 Motivational And Inspiring Quotes By The Artist Vincent Van Gogh
Vincent Willem Van Gogh was a very inspiring Dutch impressionist painter. He was a very prolific painter, as in just over a decade he created over 2,100 works of art, including about 860 oil paintings.
By clicking here, you can learn more by reading 42 Motivational And Inspiring Quotes by the Artist Vincent Van Gogh.
How Did Vincent Van Gogh’s Paintings Become Famous?
Vincent van Gogh’s painting became famous because his sister-in-law took it upon herself after his death and the death of her husband Theo to find a way to get his paintings and name out to the world. She was brilliant and savvy in how she did this. By the time she had died in 1925, Vicent van Gogh was world renown.
By clicking here, you can discover more by reading How Did Vincent Van Gogh’s Paintings Become Famous?
What Did Theo Van Gogh Die Of?
Theo van Gogh’s cause of death is dementia paralytica; this disease is most commonly associated with the final stages of syphilis. After Vincent died with Theo by his side, Theo’s health deteriorated, and he died just six months after Vincent van Gogh died.
By clicking here, you can discover more by reading What Did Theo Van Gogh Die Of?.
