White House at Night
Painting on canvas • Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas featuring heavy impasto, rhythmic linear brushstrokes, and wet-on-wet application characteristic of the artist's late period.
Creation Period
June 1890
Dimensions & Format
59.5 x 72.5 cm; Landscape format
Subject Description
The composition depicts a large white house in Auvers-sur-Oise under a darkening sky with a luminous yellow star (identified by astronomers as Venus). A woman in a dark dress walks in the foreground, and figures are visible near the gate. The work uses a restricted palette of greens, blues, and ochre, contrasting with the vibrant red of the shutters.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent. The work appears well-preserved with stable paint layers and vibrant color retention.
Estimated Market Value
Over $100,000,000 USD. Van Gogh works of this provenance and period are among the most valuable assets in the art market.
Auction Estimate
$80,000,000 - $120,000,000 USD
Provenance History
Formerly in the collection of Otto Krebs (Holzdorf); acquired by the Hermitage Museum in 1945 as part of the 'trophy art' group taken from Germany after WWII. It remained hidden from the public until 1995.
Art Historical Significance
Painted just six weeks before the artist's death in Auvers-sur-Oise. It represent the psychological intensity of his final period. It was long considered lost before being revealed at the Hermitage in the 1990s.
Notable Features
Includes the 'Venus' star, which allows for precise dating of the celestial alignment to June 16, 1890, at approximately 8:00 PM. Noted for the heavy, tactile quality of the white paint on the house facade.
Condition Issues
Minor stable craquelure consistent with age; no significant losses or structural issues visible under gallery lighting.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain stable humidity (45-55%) and temperature. Keep under UV-filtered museum glass and low-lux LED lighting to prevent pigment degradation.