In Vincent Van Gogh's 'The Starry Night,' which element is most prominently used to create movement?

In Vincent Van Gogh's 'The Starry Night,' lines are the most prominently used element to create a sense of movement throughout the painting. The swirling, dynamic lines that encompass the sky create a flow that draws the viewer's eye across the canvas. These lines suggest a rhythm and energy that evoke the nighttime atmosphere and the emotional turmoil that Van Gogh was experiencing at the time. The strokes are not only visible but also convey movement, allowing the viewer to feel as though they are absorbed into the scene.

While other elements like shapes, colors, and textures contribute to the overall impression of the painting, it is the lines that predominantly drive the sense of motion. The swirling patterns around the stars and the cypress tree enhance this feeling, making the lines the key component in creating that vibrant, kinetic quality that defines 'The Starry Night.'