Scientists have discovered new data that can shed light on the sky that inspired the famous painting Star Night The Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh.

According to a study published in the scientific magazine Scientific ReportsThe sky displayed in the painting may have been inspired by a real astronomical view observed before dawn on July 22, 1889, in Saint – France’s Rémey-de-Provence.

The research team analysed the positions of heavenly bodies, historical weather data and Van Gogh’s letters. According to researchers, the position of the sickle moon, the planet Venus, and the grouping of Hyades stars are evidently compatible with the celestial elements represented in the picture.

This discovery questions the traditional dating of the work, which usually relates to June 1889. Researchers suggest that the painting sky may have been based on observations made during July.

However, scholars point out that a single date for the inspiration of the work cannot surely be determined. It is possible that Van Gogh combined observations from several nights into a single artistic composition.

The study brings a new perspective on how artist combined nature’s observation with his imagination in one of the most well – known works of art history.

Source Layer: Dukeagini