As the story goes, Van Gogh while he was a patient at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Psychiatric Hospital, located in France in the town of Saint-Rémy. Today, the hospital has an area named after Van Gogh in his honor.
In the vast world of art, there are works that transcend their time and place of origin, becoming cultural icons that resonate with the hearts of countless viewers. “The Starry Night”, the famous painting by Vincent van Gogh, is one such creation. But few know that this masterpiece that evokes the mystery of the cosmos was painted during a tumultuous period in the life of the Dutch artist. In this article, we explore the creative process behind “The Starry Night” and how Van Gogh’s inner struggle influenced his artistic expression.
Van Gogh’s personal context
Vincent van Gogh, known for his genius and turbulent life, lived at a time when understanding of mental health was limited. Battling his own inner demons, he spent time in the mental hospital.Vincent van Gogh experienced a series of mental health and emotional challenges throughout his life that had a significant impact on his work and his well-being in general. While I’m not a mental health expert, I can provide you with an overview of some key aspects of his emotional state.
Depression and Anxiety: Van Gogh suffered from recurring episodes of depression and anxiety throughout his life. His letters to his brother Theo and other friends and family reveal his internal struggles, his emotional ups and downs, and his moments of deep despair.
Episodes of Anger and Agitation: In some of his darkest moments, Van Gogh also experienced episodes of anger and agitation. These episodes often manifested in disruptive behavior and confrontations with those around him.
Psychiatric Hospitalization: Van Gogh was repeatedly hospitalized in psychiatric institutions, including the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole hospital in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where he painted “The Starry Night.” During his stay there, he was able to paint and find some emotional stability, but he also faced moments of difficulty.
Self-Reflection and Self-Expression in Art: Despite his struggles, Van Gogh found in art a way to channel his emotions and explore his inner world. His paintings often reflected his emotional states, and while his artistic style was unique and personal, it also reflected his emotional turmoil and search for meaning.
The Isolation Dilemma: Van Gogh tended to isolate himself socially and had difficulty establishing meaningful relationships. This loneliness often exacerbated his emotional problems and plunged him into periods of deep introspection.
Tragic Death: Van Gogh’s tragic life came to an end when he died at the age of 37 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Although the interpretation of the events that led to his death is complex, the most widely accepted theory is that he suffered from depression and committed suicide.