Road with Cypress and Star (also known as Country Road in Provence by Night)
Original: Oil on canvas; Image provided: Likely a high-quality reproduction or print on paper/canvas • Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, 1853–1890)
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionism / Expressionism
Medium & Technique
Original: Oil on canvas using heavy impasto strokes. Application involves short, rhythmic brushstrokes that create a sense of movement and vibration across the surface.
Creation Period
Original created in May 1890; this specific object appears to be a modern reproduction.
Dimensions & Format
Original: 92 cm × 73 cm (36.2 in × 28.7 in). Format: Vertical Portrait.
Subject Description
The composition features a tall, dark cypress tree dominating the center, bisecting a swirling night sky containing a crescent moon and a radiant star (likely Venus). A winding road in the foreground carries a horse-drawn carriage and two walking figures. The scene represents Van Gogh's intense emotional response to the landscape of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (as a reproduction). The image shows minor surface reflections, suggesting it is framed under glass or acrylic.
Estimated Market Value
Original: Inestimable/Exceeding $100 million. This reproduction: $20 - $150 USD depending on the frame and print quality.
Auction Estimate
This reproduction: $10 - $50 USD (decorative value only).
Provenance History
The original painting is held in the Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, Netherlands. This specific item is a commercial reproduction likely acquired through a museum shop or art retailer.
Art Historical Significance
This was the last painting Van Gogh executed in Saint-Rémy before leaving the asylum. It is considered a companion piece to 'The Starry Night' and 'Wheatfield with Crows,' representing the culmination of his 'obsessive' interest in cypresses as symbols of mourning and the eternal.
Notable Features
The distinctive 'pulsing' halos around the celestial bodies and the use of the cypress to bridge the terrestrial and celestial realms are hallmark features of Van Gogh's late style.
Condition Issues
Slight darkening in the photograph, potential fading if exposed to UV light, and standard wear to the decorative frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent UV fading of the pigments; ensure the frame is securely hung.