Vincent van Gogh, an artist from the Netherlands, created works throughout his life. One of his renowned pieces “Starry Night” holds significance especially during the period he spent in an asylum in France. Van Gogh, at an earlier age, faced struggles with mental health and substance abuse. During his time in the asylum following an incident where he cut off part of his ear he channeled his emotions into creating art.

“Starry Night,” offers a view from his asylum window depicting a tree, the mountains and a town that exist only in Van Gogh’s imagination. Despite his difficulties Van Gogh maintained correspondence with his brother Theo expressing his love for the sunrises seen from his room. The painting blends elements of realism with Van Gogh’s unique style particularly evident in the sky and the villages portrayal.

Van Gogh’s stay in the asylum was marked by challenges. They were believed to have been caused by epilepsy. The asylum’s physician noted his experiences of fear, nausea and lapses in consciousness Among the aspects attributed to this time was the creation of “Starry Night.”

Art enthusiasts have found fascination in the movements of “Starry Night” drawing, interpretations connecting them to galaxies or the universe while others relate them to Van Gogh’s state of mind. Some even suggest that the swirling patterns could be associated with his use of digitalis, a medication for epilepsy known to cause distortions. You can find reminiscent elements in Van Gogh’s earlier works from his “period” characterized by palettes.

There are theories, suggesting that the sky could reflect Van Gogh’s personal struggle with lobe epilepsy. Seizures affecting the lobe often result in alterations, consciousness such as experiencing dreams and hallucinations. The shapes in the painting have drawn parallels to the structure of the hippocampus—an area of the brain associated with seizures potentially indicating a representation of his condition.

The connection between art and neuroscience invites us to delve into how Van Gogh’s condition might have shaped his perspective. Many artists today acknowledge the influence of illnesses, or substance use on their creative process. One can’t help but wonder if treatments like surgery were available during Van Gogh’s time how they would have impacted his life path and artistic expression. Ultimately, “Starry Night” remains a testament to Van Gogh’s genius as an artist and the intricacies of his mind.