"Portrait of Joseph Roulin," Vincent van Gogh, 1889.
Y'all know Van Gogh by now.
Joseph Roulin was a postal worker in the town of Arles, where Van Gogh had gone in hopes of forming an art colony. It never manifested, but he became close friends with his postman, Roulin, and the entire Roulin family became a huge source of emotional and moral support to the troubled artist.
Roulin was, by all accounts, one of those great people who was not only a devoted family man, but also a generally kind person who was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Van Gogh was always struck by his features and overall air of kindliness, which comes across a little in this portrait; despite the large beard, he seems about to smile.
When Van Gogh was hospitalized (1888-90, on and off), Roulin looked after his studio and was a regular visitor. Some feel that Van Gogh's psychiatric troubles may have been far worse if not for the presence of his caring friend.
Here we have Roulin proud in his postal uniform, looking a bit amused, but also strong and solid. The background, of bright green and twisting vines and flowers, seems almost to embrace the subject.
Happy Portrait Monday!
From the Museum of Modern Art, New York.
#Art #VincentVanGogh #PortraitMonday #PostImpressionism
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