This painting was painted in the later years of Van Gogh’s life during his time in a mental asylum in 1989. This painting came almost entirely from Vincent’s imagination as it does not match any of the surroundings around his asylum in Provence. The sky with its swirls and rolling colours are surreal, ethereal and dreamlike. It is large, magnificent and beyond the reach and comprehension of man. Right below are the cypress, hills and other trees with their soft shapes and bends that blend naturally with the sky. Finally the village, with its straight lines and sharp angles seemingly separating it from the heavens and nature. Notice how Vincent brings in the rolls of trees into the village and the church spire reaches the sky, Vincent has brought nature and god to the village. 

Vincent Van Gogh (1953 - 1981) The tragic tale of a struggling artist. 

Vincent was born as the oldest surviving child of an upper middle class family in the Netherlands. He was a gentle and religious soul who failed to fit into the customs and conventions of upper class society. In his early life he tried and failed at being an art dealer, a language teacher, a lay preacher, bookseller and missionary. He had his love and affection rejected by or failed with every woman he tried to develop a committed relationship with. Though he was born into the upper class, his career failures and eccentric character led him to being rejected by all around him including his family as a failure, a madman. He spent most his life penniless and in dire financial straits. In his entire life, only his younger brother Theo maintained a good relations with him. It was Theo who encouraged Vincent to pursue his passion in painting in 1981, providing financial support for him throughout the rest of his older brother’s life. Despite his brother’s enthusiastic, non wavering support, Vincent’s works failed to sell for the entirety of his life. Towards the end of his life, he descended into depression and subsequently took his own life. His brother Theo, passed away shortly after. Right before he was able to witness the success of his brother’s works whom he had believed in and supported his entire life. 

Though Vincent only took up painting in 1981, in the short decade before his passing he produced more than 2,100 pieces of work. Today, Vincent Van Gogh’s works are among the most valuable pieces of art in the world. His legacy has captured the public imagination and personifies the romantic, idealistic, tortured artist.

Some theme music to listen as you look into the painting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta2NsD5FeMk 

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