It's one of the most recognized and celebrated works by Vincent van Gogh.
A year before his suicide, van Gogh painted a depiction of the view from his asylum room window, just before sunrise, with an imaginary village in the background.
Over 80 years later, this 1889 Post-Impressionist painting inspired Rock musician Don McLean (of American Pie) to compose this tribute to van Gogh: his paintings, his life, his struggles, and suicide:
I have been fortunate to watch either a movie or documentary about Vincent van Gogh's life a few years ago. If he was only alive today to see how people valued his work he couldn't even sell in his lifetime.
I have been listening to old artists every night for the last few months. I had thought that Vincent was the work of Elton John, remembering Don McLean for his classic, American Pie. After listing to American Pie one night, automatically, the next song was Vincent. Making me realize the genius of Don McLean. And how he was able to write and perform such fabulous songs that reach everyone so deeply.
I have been listening to old artists every night for the last few months. I had thought that Vincent was the work of Elton John, remembering Don McLean for his classic, American Pie. After listing to American Pie one night, automatically, the next song was Vincent. Making me realize the genius of Don McLean. And how he was able to write and perform such fabulous songs that reach everyone so deeply.
Ron