Essay --

John Berger notes that, ‘original paintings are silent and still in a sense that information never is’. This observation is not different in the case of Vincent Van Gogh's Cafe Terrace at Night (1888). While visiting a museum, I stumbled across this painting, one of Vincent Van Gogh’s great works. My next move was to engage with the painting, with the aim of understanding critical information in relation to its meaning, significance and importance in both the traditional and modern context (Whitney et al, 360). This is to ensure that we learn more about the eye-catching paintings hanging on the walls of museums. In addition, this approach is vital in understanding both the literal and hidden meaning of such a painting, as intended by the artist. The name of the picture speaks volumes in relation to its context and setting; it is a night scene. From a literal perspective, the picture shows a large establishment where people from the region can enjoy their coffee by night. On the other hand, the picture also focuses on the expression of an important meaning in accordance with the intention and the aim of the painter in its composition. For instance, Van Gogh focuses on expressing a beautiful event aided by the stars and the bright sky. In addition, the painting integrates bright colors to express a peaceful encounter during a bright night (Brower 200). Firstly, I thought it would be satisfying to understand specific data in relation to the development of this painting. I asked myself; â€Å"When was this picture made?† Vincent Van Gogh’s the Cafà © Terrace, at Night 1888, was painted between the 9th and the 16th of September 1888. The next key question was the location. I learnt that the picture was painted in Arles. According to an obse... ...to different generations in the history of Arles (Punt et al, 228). In the 21st century, the painting still has a great meaning to the people of Arles. This indicates that the painting expresses a cultural relevance to the people of Arles in a similar manner to that which they felt in the 19th century. This attachment is valuable in enhancing my interaction with the painting. Analysis indicates that the painting has diverse meanings in relation to the type of interaction an individual has with the picture. The picture is never silent once you ask relevant questions such as its meaning, intention, and significance to the artist and the target audience. Moreover, the picture could be of meaning and relevance to individuals from different generations or centuries. This is because the painting has captured and exhibited a beautiful scene (The Drawings of Van Gogh 12).