Madame Roulin Rocking the Cradle (La Berceuse)
1889 Art Institute of Chicago
About this artwork
The painting is a vibrant portrait of a seated woman, identified as Augustine Roulin, against a richly patterned, dark blue floral background. She is depicted with a distinctive yellow-green complexion, wearing a dark green jacket over a bright green skirt, with her hands clasped and holding a rope-like object, suggesting her role as a 'cradle rocker'.
Did you know?
Van Gogh painted several portraits of the Roulin family, with Augustine Roulin being a particularly important subject for him during his time in Arles. He referred to this series of portraits as "La Berceuse," meaning "The Cradle Rocker" or "Lullaby Woman," intending them to evoke comfort and solace. The intense colors and swirling background are characteristic of his Post-Impressionist style, reflecting his emotional connection to the sitter and his desire to express inner feeling rather than mere objective reality.
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Madame Roulin Rocking the Cradle (La Berceuse)
Vincent van Gogh, 1889
