White House at Night

is an oil-on-canvas painting created by Vincent van Gogh on June 16, 1890, in the small town of Auvers-sur-Oise, just six weeks before his death.

Key Details

The painting measures 59 cm × 72.5 cm (23.2 in × 28.5 in) and is currently displayed at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. The work is notable for its depiction of a white house at night, with a star in the sky identified as Venus by astronomers Donald Olson and Russell Doescher. This identification was made based on the star's position in the evening sky in June 1890.

Symbolism and Style

The painting reflects Van Gogh's psychological tension during his final weeks. The red splashes in the windows, often seen as the 'eyes' of the house, are particularly striking and symbolic of his anguish. The overall atmosphere conveys a sense of anxiety and restlessness despite the tranquil setting of a provincial town at night.

Provenance

The painting has a turbulent history. It was part of the private collection of German industrialist Otto Krebs and was exhibited in Switzerland during the 1920s. After World War II, it was thought to be lost but resurfaced in 1995 as part of an exhibition of artworks looted by the Soviets.

Authenticity Concerns

There have been concerns raised about the authenticity of the version currently held at the Hermitage Museum. Some experts have suggested that the painting might be a replica, given the fresh appearance of the paint and the mechanical brushwork, which is atypical for a Van Gogh painting from that period. However, these claims have not been definitively proven.

Overall, 'White House at Night' is a significant work that reflects Van Gogh's emotional state and artistic style during his final days, and its history highlights the complexities and challenges in preserving and verifying the authenticity of valuable artworks.