Vincent van Gogh’s night skies are among the most iconic images in the history of art. Swirling stars, glowing moons, and the deep blues of dusk—these elements appear in several of his paintings, leading many to ask: How many Starry Nights did Van Gogh really paint?
While The Starry Night (1889) remains his most famous nocturnal work, Van Gogh created multiple paintings of night scenes featuring stars. In this article, we’ll explore each of them, their context, symbolism, and how they reflect Van Gogh’s evolving mindset. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or looking to decorate with his celestial masterpieces, this guide will illuminate Van Gogh’s fascination with the night sky.
Why Van Gogh Painted the Night
Van Gogh once wrote, “The night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.” For him, the night wasn’t just a visual subject—it was emotional, spiritual, and deeply symbolic. He saw in the stars a mirror for the human soul, and through painting them, he explored themes of hope, loneliness, wonder, and divine presence.
1. The Starry Night (1889)
The Most Famous “Starry Night”
Painted during his stay at the asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, The Starry Night is the most well-known nightscape by Van Gogh. It features a swirling sky over a quiet village, with a bold cypress tree in the foreground.
Key Features
- Painted from memory and imagination
- Emotional, abstract, and highly expressive
- Symbolizes spiritual longing and mental unrest
This painting alone has become a cultural icon, appearing on posters, merchandise, and wall art globally.
→ Explore this masterpiece in our collection: Vincent van Gogh Wall Art Prints
2. Starry Night Over the Rhône (1888)
The First “Starry Night”
Created a year before the more famous The Starry Night, this painting was done en plein air along the Rhône river in Arles. It shows a gentle night sky, stars reflecting on the water, and a couple strolling under gaslights.
Key Features
- Painted outdoors from real observation
- Softer, more romantic and realistic
- Balances human presence and cosmic beauty
3. Café Terrace at Night (1888)
While not titled “Starry Night,” this piece features a brilliantly lit café under a deep starry sky. Painted shortly after Van Gogh arrived in Arles, it captures the warmth of human interaction against the backdrop of a cosmic ceiling.
Key Features
- One of the earliest Van Gogh night scenes
- Stars shine above a lively, lit café terrace
- Celebrates contrast between human activity and still night
4. Road with Cypress and Star (1890)
Painted shortly before his death, this lesser-known piece shows a figure walking along a dark road under a glowing star beside a towering cypress. It’s moody and somber, hinting at isolation and mortality.
Key Features
- Darker palette and mood
- Symbolic use of cypress (often linked to death)
- The star evokes hope amid uncertainty
5. Evening Landscape with Rising Moon (1889)
Though this painting features the moon rather than stars, it’s still part of Van Gogh’s exploration of twilight and night. It shows a golden moon rising over a pastoral field, offering tranquility and introspection.
So, How Many “Starry Nights” Did Van Gogh Paint?
If we count only the paintings with “Starry Night” in the title, then:
2 official “Starry Nights”:
-
- The Starry Night (1889)
- Starry Night Over the Rhône (1888)
But if we include all major night scenes with stars, then Van Gogh painted at least 4–5 night-themed works featuring stars in prominent roles.
Summary Table
| Painting Title | Year | Night Elements | Mood |
| The Starry Night | 1889 | Swirling sky, moon, stars | Emotional, intense |
| Starry Night Over the Rhône | 1888 | Calm river, stars, couple | Romantic, serene |
| Café Terrace at Night | 1888 | Café scene under stars | Warm, lively |
| Road with Cypress and Star | 1890 | Cypress, lone star | Somber, reflective |
| Evening Landscape with Rising Moon | 1889 | Rising moon, fading light | Quiet, contemplative |
What Do These Paintings Tell Us About Van Gogh?
These starry scenes trace Van Gogh’s emotional journey—from the hopeful solitude of Arles, to the inner chaos of Saint-Rémy, and finally, the melancholy of his final days. He didn’t paint stars merely for aesthetic value—they were symbols of peace, divinity, dreams, and sometimes despair.
Which Starry Night Is Best for Your Space?
Want to create a peaceful vibe?
Choose Starry Night Over the Rhône—perfect for bedrooms or cozy corners.
Looking for emotional energy?
Go with The Starry Night—ideal for studios or bold living room décor.
Love social spaces?
Café Terrace at Night adds warmth and charm to dining rooms and kitchens.
Conclusion
So how many “Starry Nights” did Van Gogh paint? The answer depends on how you define them. Officially, two works bear the name. But in spirit, Van Gogh’s fascination with the night sky lives across a series of luminous, expressive canvases, each revealing a piece of his heart.
Whether you’re an art collector, a dreamer, or someone seeking inspiration, Van Gogh’s night paintings invite you to look upward—and inward.
