On van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’
Summary
Scientists say Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” may have been inspired by a predawn sky over Saint-Rémy de Provence around July 22, 1889, rather than June. Their analysis disputes the long-accepted date of the painting and suggests van Gogh closely observed real celestial patterns from his asylum.
Key Points
- A South Korean research team says “The Starry Night” matches a predawn sky over Saint-Rémy de Provence around July 22, 1889.
- The finding challenges the long-held view that Van Gogh painted the work in June 1889 after entering the asylum.
- Researchers used forensic astronomy, weather analysis and Van Gogh’s letters to support the new dating.
- Experts say the study is intriguing, though the painting may still combine elements from multiple nights.
