Poster N 1006 - Vincent van Gogh - The starry night (1889)

SPIRITUALITY - In The Starry Night, the swirling cosmos reflects Van Gogh’s search for a deeper connection with the universe. The luminous stars and the almost supernatural energy of the sky hint at his yearning for spiritual transcendence beyond earthly struggles. Influenced by his religious upbringing and personal reflections, Van Gogh often associated the night sky with divine mysteries. This spirituality is not tied to dogma but rather expresses his profound, personal exploration of the soul’s place in the infinity of existence.

HOPE - Despite the turbulent patterns, the painting radiates a sense of hope. The stars shine brightly against the darkness, symbolizing guidance and the promise of light in times of despair. For Van Gogh, who struggled with mental illness and isolation, these celestial beacons might have represented a longing for clarity and comfort. The peaceful and still town below suggests that hope can coexist with inner chaos, acting as a stabilizing force amid life’s uncertainties.

ETERNITY - The infinite quality of the sky, with its unending spirals and glowing lights, evokes the boundlessness of eternity. Van Gogh’s fascination with the stars often paralleled his thoughts on the afterlife, which he perceived as a continuation of the soul’s journey. The cypress tree, reaching skyward, acts as a bridge between the earthly and the eternal, linking the viewer to infinity. This element embodies the timelessness of existence and humanity’s enduring quest to comprehend it.