The Economics of Everyday Things: Episode 102 - “The Starry Night”

Hosted by Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett

Introduction

In Episode 102 of The Economics of Everyday Things, journalist Zachary Crockett delves into the fascinating journey and enduring legacy of Vincent van Gogh's iconic masterpiece, "The Starry Night." Hosted in collaboration with Glenn Lowry, the Director of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, this episode explores the painting's historical significance, its elusive valuation, and the meticulous efforts required to preserve such an invaluable work of art.

The Journey of "The Starry Night"

The episode begins with a vivid description of "The Starry Night," highlighting its mesmerizing depiction of a celestial night sky over a quiet village. Glenn Lowry emphasizes the painting's unique allure:

"There is no equivalent. There are other Van Goghs that have sold, but they're not the Van Gogh that has brought millions of people a year to the Museum of Modern Art." [01:32]

Zachary Crockett narrates the tumultuous history of the painting, from Van Gogh's struggle with mental health and his untimely death to the painting's journey through various owners. Jo Van Gogh-Bonger, Vincent's sister-in-law, played a pivotal role in promoting his legacy by selling his works to ensure their preservation and appreciation.

Valuing the Masterpiece

A central theme of the episode revolves around the challenging task of assigning a monetary value to "The Starry Night." While Van Gogh's paintings can fetch tens of millions at auctions today, "The Starry Night" remains unsold and housed permanently at MoMA. Glenn Lowry acknowledges the complexity of valuing such an iconic piece:

"If you tried to value it today, there's no way you could put a number on it that would make any sense." [09:53]

Exploring hypothetical valuations, Crockett compares the painting's worth to other masterpieces, suggesting it could be valued at $27 million based on historical exchanges involving works by Cezanne and Toulouse-Lautrec. However, Lowry contends that "The Starry Night" transcends such comparisons, becoming an invaluable cornerstone of modern art.

Security and Conservation

Protecting "The Starry Night" involves elaborate and resource-intensive measures. Glenn Lowry details the comprehensive security protocols in place, likening the gallery to an operating theater:

"The climate is controlled to an incredible degree. We try and maintain temperature around 72, 73 degrees, and we try and maintain relative humidity between 45 and 55%." [17:58]

The painting is housed within a specially designed frame that acts as a protective box, safeguarding it against environmental factors and potential physical threats. Additionally, MoMA employs advanced climate control and filtration systems to ensure the painting's preservation. Regular inspections by conservationists help monitor and address any signs of deterioration.

Impact on MoMA and the Public

Since its acquisition in 1941 through a strategic exchange involving three other significant paintings, "The Starry Night" has become one of MoMA's most treasured exhibits, attracting approximately 3 million visitors annually. Lowry reflects on the painting's role in drawing diverse audiences:

"There's no doubt in my mind that a significant percentage of our visitors are attracted to the Museum of Modern Art because they know that they will see Starry Night here." [09:47]

The painting's universal appeal and emotional depth have cemented its status as a cultural icon, influencing not only art enthusiasts but also popular culture worldwide.

Preservation Challenges and Public Access

While reproductions of "The Starry Night" are widely available, MoMA maintains strict control over high-resolution images to manage their use and licensing. Lowry explains the balance between public access and preservation:

"We own the painting. We do not own the copyright. The copyright was originally owned by the family. But now, because the painting is as old as it is, it's in the public domain." [21:22]

Efforts to loan the painting for international exhibitions are rare and involve meticulous planning to mitigate any risks during transit. Such stringent measures ensure that "The Starry Night" remains protected while still being accessible to a global audience in select instances.

Conclusion

"The Starry Night" serves as a testament to Vincent van Gogh's genius and the enduring power of art to inspire and captivate. Through detailed discussions with MoMA's Glenn Lowry, Zachary Crockett illuminates the intricate economics behind preserving and valuing such an iconic masterpiece. This episode not only celebrates the painting's beauty but also underscores the collective effort required to maintain its legacy for future generations.

For more insights into the hidden economics of everyday phenomena, tune into future episodes of "The Economics of Everyday Things."

Notable Quotes

• "There is no equivalent. There are other Van Goghs that have sold, but they're not the Van Gogh that has brought millions of people a year to the Museum of Modern Art." — Glenn Lowry [01:32]

• "If you tried to value it today, there's no way you could put a number on it that would make any sense." — Glenn Lowry [09:53]

• "The climate is controlled to an incredible degree. We try and maintain temperature around 72, 73 degrees, and we try and maintain relative humidity between 45 and 55%." — Glenn Lowry [17:58]

• "There's no doubt in my mind that a significant percentage of our visitors are attracted to the Museum of Modern Art because they know that they will see Starry Night here." — Glenn Lowry [09:47]

Produced by Morgan Levy and Sarah Lilly | Mixed by Jeremy Johnston | Special Thanks to Daniel Moritz Rapson