Starry Night Essay

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Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” Essay Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most famous painters in the world. His pieces of art are easily recognized today, and have sold for thousands, and millions of dollars. However, this success was not experienced by Van Gogh himself. In fact he lived a very difficult life, often experiencing family problems, suffering from epilepsy, and other mental challenges, so much so that it caused him to voluntarily check into a mental asylum seeking cures. In spite of his challenges in life, the “Starry Night” portrait, may have been an artistic self-expression. Hidden within this artistic masterpiece are glimpses into the many facets of Van Gogh’s life. By examining the “Starry Night” portrait, one can peek into Van Gogh’s life and see the spiritual influences and zeal, his family problems as well his overall mental state. Immediately upon viewing the “Starry Night” portrait the first thing you will notice are the bright yellow stars and the bright yellow moon, with orbs of white light surrounding those elements. It is believed that the blue sky along with the eleven bright stars and moon are indications of Van Gogh spiritual and evangelistic inspirations. The painting references Genesis, where it says: “And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me”. (Genesis 37:9 King James Version) In his early years Van Gogh had the desire to evangelize and was known to help others less fortunate, and also he had a love for animals. Another glimpse of his spirituality is the painting of a church in the center of the portrait. Although the church appears to be taller than the other buildings in the town, it also seems very cold and dark. This may be the way Van Gogh perceived the church of that day. Oftentimes
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