Portrait of Joseph Roulin
1888 Barnes Foundation
About this artwork
A portrait of Joseph Roulin, a postman from Arles, France, known for his thick beard and uniform. This is one of several portraits Van Gogh painted of Roulin and his family during his time in Arles.
Did you know?
Joseph Roulin, a postman in Arles, became one of Van Gogh's closest friends and most frequently painted subjects during a difficult period in the artist's life. Van Gogh painted at least six portraits of Roulin, each exploring different emotional depths and using a vibrant palette inspired by Japanese prints. Roulin's steadfast friendship provided comfort and companionship to Van Gogh, who saw in him a father figure.
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Portrait of Joseph Roulin
Vincent van Gogh, 1888
