Researchers date van Gogh’s “starry night” to specific night
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Researchers in Germany investigated when Vincent van Gogh observed the sky that inspired his painting “The Starry Night”.
Van Gogh painted the famous artwork in the summer following a self-harm incident in the winter of 1888. The researchers believe they have identified the specific date when the conditions in the night sky matched the painting’s depiction. Not all experts agree with the findings. The team based their conclusions on astronomical data and analysis of Van Gogh’s letters.
They determined a particular night when a bright Venus and a crescent moon would have appeared as shown in the painting, combined with specific patterns of stars. The researchers’ work aims to connect Van Gogh’s art more closely to observable reality. While some art historians remain unconvinced, the study offers a new perspective on the creation of one of the world’s most iconic paintings.
