Vincent van Gogh
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This portrait of Joseph Roulin is one of six that Vincent van Gogh created of his dear friend, a postal worker from Arles. In 1888, van Gogh relocated to Arles from Paris with the dream of establishing an artist community. Although this plan never materialized, van Gogh formed a deep bond with the Roulin family, who became a significant source of emotional support. Van Gogh was captivated by Roulin’s striking facial features, his dedication to his family, and his remarkable kindness, especially during van Gogh's hospitalization when Roulin took care of his studio and visited him regularly.
In this particular portrait, thought to have been painted from memory, Roulin is shown wearing his proud postal uniform, set against a background of swirling floral patterns, which reflect van Gogh’s expressive and vibrant style. In a letter to his brother Theo, van Gogh expressed his passion for portraiture, saying, “the modern portrait” excited him the most. He aimed to capture the essence of his subjects, painting them with a "radiance and vibration" in his use of color that symbolized an eternal quality—something once conveyed by a halo in traditional art.
P.S. Vincent van Gogh is one of the most iconic artists ever. But how well do you know his art? See Van Gogh in 10 paintings! When you're finished, make sure to test your knowledge about his art in our Vincent van Gogh QUIZ!