“Road with Cypress and Star,” a painting by Vincent Van Gogh, created in 1890, is an oil on canvas exemplifying the Post-Impressionism movement. Measuring 92 x 73 cm, this landscape genre artwork resides in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands. Van Gogh conceived this piece in Saint-rémy-de-provence, France, evoking the emotional and spiritual qualities of the landscape through vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes.
The artwork features a night scene with a swirling starry sky that includes the moon and a large bright star, possibly Venus, which is often referred to as the “Evening Star.” Prominently, a towering cypress tree anchors the composition on the left side, its dark contours rising against the luminous backdrop of the sky. The foliage is depicted with bold, impasto strokes of green and black, lending it a sense of vitality and movement. A country road meanders through the painting, drawing the viewer’s eye into the landscape. Along the road, we observe two small figures walking together, suggesting a sense of companionship in the quietude of night. Additionally, a horse-drawn carriage is depicted further along the winding road, adding a hint of narrative and movement to the scene. Van Gogh’s expressive use of line and color communicates a sense of energy and emotion that is characteristic of his post-impressionistic approach. The overall impact is one of a deeply personal and contemplative response to the natural world.
