I Finally Saw Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” in Person
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As I walked into the room, my heart began to rush. I had been staring at it on my laptop for years before finally encountering it in person.
The allure of Van Gogh’s name has always fascinated me, alas, his painting career was tragically short-lived. A restless anxiety plagued him throughout his life, gradually destroying his spirit.
My initial encounter with his paintings was at Mexico City’s Museo Soumaya. As I looked at his brushstrokes, a wave of emotions washed over me, leaving me awestruck and sending chills down my back. There are four of Van Gogh’s works displayed in the wood Fram hung on the bright blue wall, with dim lighting making these seem remarkable.
Deep down, I had a strong urge to see “The Starry Night.”
After a long time of admiring it solely through my laptop screen, I finally saw it in person at the MoMA one chilly March afternoon. I decided to join the long line of eager visitors, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the masterpieces inside. As I reached the ticket counter, I realized that the entrance wasn’t free, despite being told that Friday afternoons were free. However, $25 USD was a small price to pay for the opportunity to witness the greatest masterpieces up close. Some visitors, discouraged by the unexpected charge, chose to leave, while others, like myself, stayed in our pursuit of creative knowledge.
Armed with my ticket, I made my way to the top floor of the museum, where the painting was displayed. My heart raced as I entered the room. It was hanging proudly, but hidden behind a throng of people. This is a marvel! a man said to his girlfriend. Determined, I made my way through the crowd, inching closer to the front. And finally, there I was, standing inches away from Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night,’ which had ignited the imaginations of countless art enthusiasts over the years. Up close, a breathtaking tapestry of brushstrokes unfolded, revealing a nocturnal landscape dominated by a swirling sky adorned with radiant stars. Each celestial body appeared to dance in harmonious synchrony with the undulating cypress tree in the foreground…
