Van Gogh's *Starry Night over the Rhône* (September 1888), housed at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, is analyzed in detail to separate the actual view of Arles from the artist's imaginative additions. The article examines how Van Gogh repositioned the Plough (Big Dipper) constellation, exaggerated the brightness of gas lamps, and likely painted most of the scene in his studio rather than en plein air. It also reveals that he later reworked the lower-left corner of the canvas, as seen in contemporary sketches.
This analysis matters because it deepens public understanding of Van Gogh's creative process, showing how he blended observation with artistic license to achieve his iconic night effects. By comparing the painting to historical maps, postcards, and letters, the article offers fresh insights into one of the most beloved works in art history, reinforcing the value of provenance and technical research in art scholarship.