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What makes Van Gogh's Starry Night over the Rhône special?

Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhône, painted in Arles, France, in 1888, is a Post-Impressionist masterpiece that captures the serene beauty of a night sky. Depicting the Rhône River shimmering under the glow of gas lamps and starlight, this iconic painting showcases Van Gogh's signature style with its bold colors, expressive brushstrokes, and emotional intensity. Created during a pivotal period in the artist's life, Starry Night Over the Rhône now resides in the Orsay Museum, captivating visitors with its unique blend of realism and artistic expression.

Quick facts about Starry Night on the Rhone

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Artist: Vincent van Gogh

Date: September 1888

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions: 73.7 cm × 92.1 cm (29.0 in × 36.3 in)

Location: The Orsay Museum, Paris

The story behind Starry Night Over the Rhône

Orsay Museum interior with visitors viewing Impressionist art on a guided tour in Paris.
Artistic process
Interior view of Musée d'Orsay, Paris showcasing the grand hall and iconic clock.
Visitors exploring art exhibits inside the Orsay Museum, Paris, during a guided tour.
Visitors viewing artwork inside Orsay Museum, Paris, with Orsay Museum Tickets.
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Creation and inspiration

Vincent van Gogh began painting Starry Night Over the Rhône in Arles, France, inspired by the muted reflections of gas lamps and starlight on the Rhône River in xxx.

Artistic process

He used his signature expressive brushwork, creating a contrast between the warm glow of the gas lamps with the cool tones of the night sky and water. He focuses on conveying the emotional and poetic beauty of the night, emphasizing how light and color interact to create a unique atmosphere.

Post-creation

The Starry Night Over the Rhône was exhibited at the Société des Artistes Indépendants in Paris in 1889 and entered the collection of the French state in the early 20th century.

Acquisition by the Orsay Museum

In 1986, the Orsay Museum was established, housing a vast collection of French art from the second half of the 19th century and the early years of the 20th century. Starry Night Over the Rhône was included in the inaugural collection of the Orsay Museum, where it remains a key attraction to this day.

The painting today

The painting redefines how night scenes are depicted, shifting the focus from photographic accuracy to capturing the artist's emotional response. Today, Starry Night Over the Rhône continues to inspire awe in viewers and remains a popular work of art in France.

About Van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh, one of the most renowned Post-Impressionist painters, painted Starry Night Over the Rhone during his time in Arles, France, in 1888. Inspired by the beauty of the Rhône River shimmering under the night sky, he captured the scene with vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes. This painting showcases his unique style, characterized by bold colors, emotional intensity, and a focus on the artist's interpretation of reality. This painting, along with renowned works like "Sunflowers" and "The Starry Night," solidified his place as one of the most influential figures in the history of Western art.

Experience the painting

Van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhône

The small details: The intimate detail of a couple strolling along the riverbank adds a personal and romantic touch, while the shimmering water painted on canvas looks realistic.

Van Gogh’s brushwork: His textured, swirling strokes bring life to the water and sky, creating a sense of movement even in stillness.

Lighting and reflections: The warm glow of the gas lamps lining the river adds depth to the composition, balancing the cool blues of the night sky with golden yellows.

Harmony of colors: The interplay of soft blues, deep greens, and shimmering yellows creates a mood of peacefulness, perfectly capturing the beauty of a calm evening in Arles.

Historical context: Painted during Van Gogh’s time in Arles in 1888, it reflects his fascination with capturing the emotional essence of night scenes, a recurring theme in his work.

How the painting compares to The Starry Night in MoMa

SceneStarry Night Over the RhôneThe Starry Night

The scene

A calm night in Arles, France, with starlight and city lights shimmering on the Rhône River.

Swirling white stars and a dramatic cypress tree reaching towards the crescent moon.

Atmosphere

Serene and tranquil with calm reflections.

Turbulent and intense.

Color Palette

Gentle blues and yellows, a serene effect.

Swirling bright blues and bold yellows, a vibrant effect.

Painted in

September 1888

June 1889

Location

Arles, France

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France (from his asylum room window)

Tips for viewing Starry Night Over the Rhône

Visitors exploring art at Orsay Museum, Paris, during a guided tour focused on Impressionist masterpieces.

Arrive during the opening hours around 9:30am or late afternoons on weekdays. Avoid weekends or free admission days when the museum is likely more crowded.

Impressionist paintings at Musée d’Orsay, Paris, with gourmet lunch experience.

Join the guided tour or get an audio guide to gain insights into the artwork, like Van Gogh's inspiration and techniques.

Impressionist paintings at Musée d’Orsay, Paris with gourmet lunch experience.

Want to save time? Head directly to the painting on the fifth floor, in the Impressionism and Post-Impressionism collection.

Visitors exploring art at Orsay Museum, Paris, during a guided tour focused on Impressionist masterpieces.

Allocate at least 10–15 minutes to observe the painting’s brushwork, and then step back to let the entire scene sink in.

Frequently asked questions about the Van Gogh’s Starry Night on the Rhone

No, Starry Night Over the Rhône is part of the permanent collection at the Orsay Museum and can be viewed with a standard admission ticket.