Starry Night

Starry, starry night.

Flaming flowers that brightly blaze,

Swirling clouds in violet haze,

Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue.

Colors changing hue, morning field of amber grain,

Weathered faces lined in pain,

Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand.

-Don McLean's song "Starry, Starry Night"

As I was searching quiz bowl packets today, I read a question about this painting. Apparently it's the view from Van Gogh's window at the asylum. He had sent this painting-along with a package of other paintings-to his brother and in the included letter he wrote that he didn't care much for this painting. Ironically enough it's considered Van Gogh's magnum opus.

Poor Vincent, victim of mental instability and lack of success in his chosen career.