Review of Starry Night: Van Gogh at the Asylum by Martin Bailey

 I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Starry Night is a fascinating, fully illustrated account of Van Gogh's time at the asylum in Saint-Remy, during which he created some of his most iconic pieces of art.

Despite the challenges of ill health and asylum life, Van Gogh continued to produce a series of masterpieces – cypresses, wheatfields, olive groves and sunsets during his time there. This fascinating and insightful work from Van Gogh specialist Martin Bailey examines his time there, from the struggles that sent him to the asylum, to the brilliant creative inspiration that he found during his time here.

He wrote very little about the asylum in letters to his brother Theo, so this book sets out to give an impression of daily life behind the walls of the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole and looks at Van Gogh through fresh eyes, with newly discovered material.

An essential insight into the mind of a flawed genius , Starry Night is indispensable for those who wish to understand the life of one of the most talented and brilliant artists to have put paintbrush to canvas.

My Review:

5 Stars

Starry Night is my absolute favorite Van Gogh painting. It holds some personal memories from times in my life and honestly is just beautiful to look at. 

I found this book to be quite interesting. You look at the paintings, but how well do you really know the artist behind them? 

With this book you get a deeper look into Van Gogh and his stay at the asylum. You get a look into the artist behind the paintings that are revered so much. A fantastic trove of knowledge for even the most basic fan.