Friday, July 30, 2010

Starry Night

There are two paintings I plan to own at some point in my life. Not the originals, of course. Unless I decide to pursue a much more lucrative career than I currently have in the works, but very well made reproductions. One of those paintings is the all famous "Starry Night" by Van Gogh. It is certainly one of the most popular paintings in the world, and loved by all for a million different reasons. I fell in love with it when I was sixteen years old and enthralled with the ABC TV series "Boy Meets World." Admittedly I'm slightly embarrassed, but only slightly.

Cory and Topanga are almost calling it quits after fifteen years of childhood romance, but a scene at the end of the episode finds them in front of this painting and just before Cory tells her that he has learned their relationship is more than a childhood romance and a masterpiece and gets all gushy, she tells Cory this about the painting, "God is protecting the people in this little town. They live there lives and they come out of their houses and they see the sky. And they know God’s protection and love. And that everything will be alright."

There is speculation that around the same time Van Gogh painted "Starry Night" he was finding religion and that possibly the 11 stars in the painting are representative of the stars mentioned in Genesis 37:9. There is much discussion on its astronomical significance. Commentary can be found regarding his thought processes, and why he would paint this as he was in the asylum at Saint-Rémy and his behavior was reportedly quite erratic. There are fascinating theories and beautiful insights. But for me, it's the simplicity that any person can take any of these ideas to make this image of pure brilliance their own.

I perceive the ominous foreground and recognize its possible threat, but am much more cognizant of the little chapel which leads my thoughts to God, then a realization that it is a peaceful night and at this point I have to agree with Topanga Lawrence:

"God is protecting the people in this little town. They live there lives and they come out of their houses and they see the sky. And they know God’s protection and love. And that everything will be alright."

5 comments:

Noelley Belly said...

I'm glad you posted, I've been waiting!

Brian said...

I love Starry Night. In fact, I have a print in my room. It reminds me of the calm, quiet love that God has for me. After all, every star in the sky was created for me to look at! ;)

Now I need to know what your other favorite painting is! (Then I'll tell you what the other one in my room is.) :P

Ki-o-TEE said...

Or you could become one of those famous painting robbers...

That's a cool interpretation of the painting! This painting is pretty cool, I admit. It always makes me think of the song "Vincent: Starry Starry Night."

Team Disney said...

You know, this was perhaps one if not my most FAVORITE all-time episodes of BMW. It was a rough year that year. Cory and Topanga apart was NEVER fun. There are some very interesting episodes during that time. I figured they would likely end up together again, and I couldn't think of a better episode to do so.

I too love the interpritations that they made with the painting. I have always loved that painting, and after that episode, my love has grown... (They really need to release that season on DVD so that I can go home and watch that episode whenever I want). It leaves me feeling happy!

whitty said...

Wow. I never thought Topanga would lend such a profound insight to a masterpiece. I love it!!