Road with Cypress and Star
Print reproduction (framed high-quality poster or offset lithograph) • Vincent van Gogh (Original)
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionism
Medium & Technique
Ink on paper; the original was oil on canvas employing heavy impasto and rhythmical brushstrokes.
Creation Period
Original created in May 1890; this reproduction appears to be from the late 20th century.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 70 x 90 cm; vertical/portrait format oriented within a rectangular frame.
Subject Description
A night landscape featuring a towering cypress tree in the center, a crescent moon, and a bright star (likely Mercury and Venus). A road winds through the foreground with two figures walking and a horse-drawn carriage in the distance. The composition is characterized by turbulent, swirling sky patterns and expressive, short brushstrokes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing signs of being a mass-produced reproduction rather than a period piece. The paper appears flat behind glass without visible foxing, though some color fading may be present due to light exposure.
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $100 USD (Value is decorative rather than investment-grade as it is a reproduction).
Auction Estimate
$10 - $50 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a museum gift shop (Kröller-Müller Museum) or a commercial art retailer; no specific ownership marks are visible through the frame.
Art Historical Significance
The original work is one of Van Gogh's final paintings from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It is considered a counterpart to 'The Starry Night' and represents the artist's obsession with the cypress tree as a symbol of both death and immortality, using it as a compositional anchor.
Notable Features
Features the iconic 'halo' effect around celestial bodies and the distinct verticality of the cypress tree which bifurcates the composition. Distinct lack of texture (impasto) confirms this is a flat print.
Condition Issues
Visible reflection on the glass surface suggests it is not museum-grade anti-reflective glass. Potential light-induced chromatic shifts (yellowing or desaturation) typical of printed posters.
Conservation Recommendations
Hang away from direct sunlight; ensure the frame uses acid-free backing to prevent paper degradation over time. Upgrading to UV-protective glass would prevent further fading.