Back

Van Gogh's Sterrennacht

The Starry Night, an oil painting made by Vincent van Gogh in 1889 depicting an impressionistic version of a city at night.

This painting is potentially van Goghs most famous work. It has been the inspiration for many artistic and commercial objects.The painting also inspired the song in the background (muted on mobile devices)computer only), Vincent(1971) by Don McLean.

Stories

  • The Russian Blues

    story by Polina Tsurikova.

    The difference between languages is apparent to anyone with the capability to speak more than a single language. Those differences go beyond translation and varied meanings, however. By going over the difference in perception of “The Starry Night” as told through the Russian terms for the color blue, it is possible to see just how deeply intertwined language and daily life truly are.

    Start this story
  • Life and death, painting and poem

    story by Anouska Wright.

    The Starry Night, painted by Van Gogh, was translated into a poem by Anne Sexton. In the painting a dramatic night sky, a bewildered black tree and a sleeping town is visible. Inspired by this, the poet focuses on life and death, the silence of the town, the bright starry night and the desire for dying in this starry night. Through intermedial translation, we can wonder if the mental symbolism of the painting has been lost in translation.

    Start this story