This iconic post-impressionist painting depicts a night scene along the banks of the Rhône River. The composition is horizontally divided between the deep, dark expanse of the water in the foreground and the luminous, starry sky above. A distant shoreline is punctuated by a line of glowing golden gas lamps, which cast elongated, shimmering reflections vertically down the surface of the river towards the viewer.
In the lower foreground, a small, dark shoreline indicates the presence of the riverbank, with subtle hints of foliage or small boats. The vast, dark blue night sky is filled with starlit bursts of light, rendered in thick, expressive, and short brushstrokes characteristic of the artist's style. The overall colour palette is dominated by deep indigo and midnight blue, providing a dramatic contrast to the vibrant yellows and ochres of the celestial bodies and city lights.
The painting captures a moody, atmospheric tranquility. The light from the shore and stars appears to dance upon the undulating ripples of the water, creating a sense of movement within the stillness of the night. The application of paint is thick and tactile, using directional strokes to guide the eye across the canvas. This interpretation of the landscape emphasizes the emotional quality of the night, blending realism with the artist's signature swirling, textured technique.