What's happened
Recent research reveals that Vincent van Gogh's 1889 painting, 'The Starry Night,' accurately depicts atmospheric turbulence. Scientists analyzed the brushstrokes and found they align with turbulence theories, suggesting the artist had an intuitive grasp of natural phenomena.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, researchers found that Van Gogh's brushstrokes mimic natural air flow, revealing a 'deep and intuitive understanding of natural phenomena.' Yongxiang Huang noted that the painting's whirls align with Kolmogorov's law, which predicts energy distribution in turbulent eddies. The Guardian emphasizes the 'spookily spot-on' accuracy of Van Gogh's depiction, suggesting that his impressionistic style may also convey scientific truths. This intersection of art and science highlights the potential for further studies on how artists capture natural dynamics.
How we got here
Vincent van Gogh created 'The Starry Night' while in an asylum in 1889. The painting features a swirling night sky, which has captivated audiences for over a century. Recent scientific analysis has uncovered its connection to fluid dynamics.
More on these topics
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The Starry Night is an oil-on-canvas painting by the Dutch Post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh. Painted in June 1889, it depicts the view from the east-facing window of his asylum room at Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, just before sunrise, with the addi