South Korean researchers date Van Gogh’s Starry Night to July 1889
A South Korean team has used forensic astronomy to suggest Vincent van Gogh painted The Starry Night in Saint-Remy de Provence around July 22, 1889.
New astronomical analysis challenges old dates
Scientists led by Elijah Jeong-hyun Kim reported their findings in the journal Scientific Reports. They matched the painting to a predawn sky over France's Saint-Remy de Provence. This new date is about a month later than the timeline art historians have long accepted.
Specific celestial features align with records
The study indicates the crescent moon and Venus visible in the work correspond to July 22. Researchers state the swirling stars and village below match what van Gogh would have seen. The team argues the scene was inspired by actual observation rather than pure imagination.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- Phys.org
- France 24
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