The Starry Night (Reproduction Stamp)
Printed reproduction, philatelic-style sticker or miniature print onto paper with perforated edges. • Original painting by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890); this specific object is an anonymous commercial reproduction.
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionism (original style). The reproduction is a piece of contemporary consumer ephemera.
Medium & Technique
Lithographic or digital color printing on paper; the original was oil on canvas. This version uses mechanical dots to replicate the impasto technique of the original.
Creation Period
Late 20th to 21st century (modern mass-produced reproduction).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 1 inch x 1.5 inches (approx. 2.5 cm x 3.8 cm); landscape format Miniature.
Subject Description
A night sky filled with swirling clouds, a bright yellow crescent moon, and eleven glowing stars. A large, dark, flaming cypress tree dominates the left foreground, while a small village with a church spire sits below the rolling hills of the Provence landscape.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Excellent; the piece appears recently produced with intact perforations and vibrant color saturation.
Estimated Market Value
Less than $1.00 USD (nominal value as a mass-produced novelty item).
Auction Estimate
Not applicable for fine art auction; typically sold in bulk quantities.
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired as part of a stationery set, sticker sheet, or novelty art kit. No historical gallery or collection marks are present.
Art Historical Significance
The original painting (1889, MoMA collection) is one of the most famous works in Western art history. This reproduction signifies the painting's status as a global pop-culture icon, illustrating how High Art is commodified and disseminated through everyday objects.
Notable Features
Features faux-perforated 'postage stamp' edges and miniature scale, designed to evoke the aesthetic of philatelic art without being a functional postal stamp.
Condition Issues
None visible, though the paper substrate is vulnerable to creasing, moisture, and UV fading due to its non-archival nature.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent ink fading; store in an acid-free sleeve if intended for a collection.