The Starry Night - Vincent Van Gogh - 1889 - Post-Impressionism - 1 Printable JPG File - 22 x 27 inches

Vincent van Gogh's painting "The Starry Night" is one of the most renowned and recognizable artworks in the world. Painted in 1889 from the window of his asylum room in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, it is a composition that captures the artist's unique vision and emotional intensity. Here is a description of this iconic masterpiece:

Sky and Stars: At the center of the painting, a vast nighttime sky dominates the composition. Van Gogh employs a swirling motion of thick brushstrokes to depict the stars. The sky seems to come alive with energy as the luminous stars radiate light in a variety of sizes and intensities. The contrast of cool blues and vibrant yellows symbolizes a clash between the dark and the radiant.

Moon and Celestial Features: To the right of the canvas, a bright and shining crescent moon illuminates the landscape below. Van Gogh captures its brilliance with shades of yellow and white, which contrast against the deep blues of the night sky. Additionally, the painting features other celestial elements, such as smaller planets and perhaps even a comet, further enhancing the ethereal atmosphere.

Landscape: The lower portion of the painting showcases a quiet and tranquil village with cypress trees. The village sleeps peacefully beneath the expressive and tumultuous sky. The colors and brushwork give the impression of flowing movement throughout the entire composition, evoking a sense of unrest and intensity despite the stillness of the scene.

Cypress Trees: Van Gogh's use of dark, elongated cypress trees adds an element of verticality to the painting. These iconic trees are depicted as dramatic silhouettes, standing tall against the starry backdrop. They create a sense of stability and structure amidst the swirling chaos of the sky, symbolizing the connection between the earth and the heavens.

Emotional Expression: "The Starry Night" is renowned not only for its visual beauty but also for its emotional resonance. Van Gogh's thick impasto brushstrokes and vibrant colors reflect his personal struggle with mental health. The painting expresses a combination of intense emotions, capturing a sense of loneliness, longing, and the artist's own tumultuous inner world.

Symbolism: "The Starry Night" is emblematic of van Gogh's belief in the healing power of nature and art. The celestial scene represents a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. It invites contemplation, conveying the vastness and mysteriousness of the universe and connecting the viewer to something beyond their immediate reality.


"The Starry Night" is a mesmerizing masterpiece that showcases van Gogh's unparalleled artistic genius and his ability to convey deep emotion and spirituality through vivid and expressive brushwork. It continues to captivate audiences and inspire awe with its brilliant interpretation of the night sky and the artist's inner turmoil.


Dimensions: 8276 x 6636 px

Print Size:  22 x 27 inches

300 dpi

Public Domain ID: 537438