Overview

• Researchers from China and France have discovered that the swirling patterns in 'The Starry Night' align with Kolmogorov’s theory of turbulence.
• The study, published in the journal Physics of Fluids, shows that van Gogh's brushstrokes depict fluid dynamics that were not scientifically described until years later.
• The painting's depiction of whirls and eddies follows mathematical principles, suggesting van Gogh had an intuitive understanding of natural phenomena.
• Scientists measured the sizes and relative distances of the swirls in the painting, finding them consistent with physical laws governing turbulent flows.
• Despite the scientific accuracy, it remains uncertain whether van Gogh's portrayal of turbulence was intentional or a coincidence.