Starry Night over the Rhone, Arles

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Starry Night over the Rhone, Arles

Starry Night over the Rhone, Arles

One of Vincent van Gogh's notable works, "Starry Night over the Rhône," holds a special place in art history. Before creating his renowned painting "Starry Night" in Saint-Rémy, van Gogh painted "Starry Night Over the Rhône" during his time in Arles. Van Gogh had a fondness for painting at night, and the clear skies of Provence provided him with the opportunity to indulge in this passion. However, the challenge for him was capturing the vivid colors he loved amidst the darkness. To overcome this, he reportedly devised clever solutions.

There are different accounts of how van Gogh managed to paint at night. Some suggest that he modified his straw hat, lining its brim with candles to provide additional light while he worked. However, attempting this technique ourselves would not be recommended. Another account mentions van Gogh writing to his brother about using a "gas jet," although the specifics of this method are unclear. Regardless of the exact means he employed, van Gogh was able to create his masterpieces under the enchanting starlight.

Today, visitors have the opportunity to stand in the very spot where Vincent van Gogh painted "Starry Night over the Rhône." The location is marked by one of the many metal easels set up by the city to offer guidance and context to visitors. These explanatory easels provide insight into the artist's process and help art enthusiasts appreciate the connection between the painting and its real-life setting.

By visiting the spot where van Gogh stood and taking in the view of the Rhône River under the starry sky, viewers can experience a unique connection to the artist and his work. Standing in that place, one can imagine the artist's passion for capturing the beauty of the night, the play of light on the water, and the ethereal glow of the stars above. "Starry Night over the Rhône" serves as a testament to van Gogh's artistic vision and his ability to bring forth the magic of the nighttime through his brushstrokes.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Arles. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Starry Night over the Rhone on Map

Sight Name: Starry Night over the Rhone
Sight Location: Arles, France (See walking tours in Arles)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Arles, France

Create Your Own Walk in Arles

Create Your Own Walk in Arles

Creating your own self-guided walk in Arles is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Vincent van Gogh Walking Tour

Vincent van Gogh Walking Tour

"There's no place quite like it for painters. It's so beautiful and peaceful..." These words, reportedly attributed to Vincent van Gogh, emphasize the beauty and exceptional qualities of Arles with which the renowned Dutch painter had a special connection.

Vincent van Gogh moved to this town in 1888, after having worked in Paris for two years. In the late 19th century,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Arles Introduction Walking Tour

Arles Introduction Walking Tour

In the heart of Provence, lies the picturesque town of Arles. Thanks to its relaxing southern-French atmosphere, Arles is a pleasant place to explore. Here, apart from the distinctive Provencal character and small-town charm, you will find a wealth of historical sites.

The Ligurians settled in the area around 800 BC. Later, the Phoenicians established here a trading port, before it was taken...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles