Location and Medium

The painting is an oil on canvas, measuring 92 cm x 73 cm, and it is housed at the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.

Composition and Elements

The painting depicts a night scene with a winding country road, a large cypress tree dominating the center, and a starry sky. The sky includes a crescent moon and two planets, Mercury and Venus, although they are depicted in a mirror image. The road is lined with tall yellow reeds and sharply outlined trees, and there are several figures walking along the road, including a horse-drawn carriage in the distance.

Symbolism and Themes

The cypress tree was a recurring motif in Van Gogh's work, often symbolizing death and eternity. In this painting, the cypress is described as an "obelisk of death" and is seen as dividing the symbols of the old (the evening star) and the new (the emerging crescent moon). The painting reflects Van Gogh's feelings of impending death and his need for companionship, as indicated by the two travelers on the road. It also depicts human life in the context of infinity and eternity, with the cosmic elements adding a sense of a sentient universe filled with love.

Artistic Style and Influences

The painting exemplifies Van Gogh's post-Impressionist style, characterized by vibrant colors, dynamic brushstrokes, and a sense of emotional and spiritual depth. The use of bold, impasto strokes for the foliage and the expressive lines and colors are typical of his late period. The painting was influenced by Van Gogh's earlier thoughts on painting nighttime scenes, which he had considered since his stay in Arles in 1888. It also shares motifs with his earlier work, "The Starry Night," but with a more secular theme.

Historical Context

Road with Cypress and Star was one of the last paintings Van Gogh made in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence before he moved to Auvers-sur-Oise, where he would eventually pass away in July 1890. It is considered a 'last attempt' at a star painting, as mentioned in a letter to Paul Gauguin.