If you're curious about the artist and the meaning of Van Gogh's Starry Night, this article is for you. We'll discuss the subject of the painting, its Symbolism, and the mental illness of the Artist. We'll also cover the influence of his sister, Jo van Gogh-Bonger, on his work.
Symbolism
“Starry Night” is an example of the symbolism behind Van Gogh's art. This painting captures a beautiful, yet eerie, night scene and the intensity of light that emanates from it. The vivid colors in the work are the result of his skill in using the new paints available to him. The contrast between dashes of color creates an optical effect called luminance. This effect is felt because it involves the brain part responsible for noticing light and motion and therefore focuses on each color separately.
Artist's mental illness
When you study the works of famous artists, you must consider the fact that they often display signs of mental illness. Vincent van Gogh, for example, exhibited many symptoms of schizophrenia. He was often treated with sedatives, including bromide and cinchona wine, which is made from quinine. While he was in the hospital, he was also exposed to the noise and poor food in the asylum.
His mental illness and isolation affected his art, despite the fact that his style is distinctly his own. His work combines elements of the surreal and the beautiful, but his choices were not conscious, but rather were a product of his subconscious. As a result, he experienced life through the perspective of an untreated mental illness. Psychologists have studied his life and works to understand what influenced his work and how it reflects his mental health.
Meaning of painting
“Starry Night” is Van Gogh's most famous painting, and its mystical significance has been debated ever since its release. It depicts a serene town with dull colors, but the night sky is vibrant, filled with swirling stars, and bursting with life. The steeple is a symbol of community in the town, yet looms in the background as a humbling reminder of isolation. The sky and trees are depicted as three distinct parts; the first two are the divine, dreamlike, and mystical, while the other two parts of the painting are the earthly, mundane, and real.
The meaning of Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night can be found in the colors used to depict the night sky, which suggest feelings and emotions. The artist was fascinated with the nighttime, and his Starry Night painting reflects this love of the night. Van Gogh was inspired by the contrast between life and death and uses the contrasting colors to communicate his feelings. The starry night evokes a sense of spirituality and offers a glimpse of a mystical, unseen world.
Influence of Jo van Gogh-Bonger
The influence of Jo van Gogh-Bongar on Vincent van-Gogh's starry night can be traced to a letter written by Vincent to his sister. Jo was fascinated with the letter, and took it upon herself to read it. Her reading of the letter made her feel close to Vincent, and she understood his feelings. Later, she realized that it was in his letters that the true meaning and importance of his work lay.
In 1888, Jo gave birth to a son. The couple named the child Vincent, and decided to call it that. Jo also arranged a 1903 exhibition of her husband's works at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, thereby achieving greater recognition within the art community. Jo van Gogh-Bonger also edited a volume of Van Gogh's letters to his brother Theo, which included a biographical introduction and two-thirds of the letter's original Dutch translation.
