#262 [The Great Van Gogh Exhibition] What did Van Gogh see? The mystery of the starry sky
In this episode, starry sky guide and celestial travel navigator Mami Kitasato and Yuichi Mori unravel the starry skies depicted in Van Gogh's paintings from an astronomical perspective. We bring you a series of fascinating insights where art and science intersect.
We verify the starry sky left in Van Gogh's masterpieces using astronomical software.
It seems that specific night skies are actually reflected in Van Gogh's 'Cafe Terrace at Night' and 'Starry Night Over the Rhone.' Kitasato-san shares the joy of recreating the starry sky of that time using modern astronomical software based on the sketches and compositions noted in his letters. It is a true endeavor where science and art intersect, uncovering the stellar alignment hidden behind the masterpiece through the power of science.
Is the starry sky in the painting a faithful reproduction?
In particular, unexpected facts emerge from the relationship between the arrangement of the Big Dipper depicted in 'Starry Night Over the Rhone' and the landscape. We discuss whether it is an impossible combination in reality, or if it reflects Van Gogh's unique artistic dedication. We touch upon the possibility that he painted the stars using a certain method, which hides his intense yearning for the night sky and a certain secret.
The second half of the program continues with a deeper dive.
Including the circumstances of his hospitalization when 'The Starry Night' was painted, we explore what Van Gogh was thinking and why he painted such a starry sky. Citing the reference book 'Le ciel de Van Gogh' by Jean-Pierre Luminet, we approach his perspective on art and the cosmos. Please listen to the full episode for detailed analysis and behind-the-scenes stories from the recording.
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