Portrait of Joseph Roulin

This painting is one in a series of portraits Vincent van Gogh's made of Joseph Roulin, a postman in Arles. Van Gogh painted Roulin multiple times, depicting him in various poses and color schemes. The series includes several oil paintings, as well as drawings and prints, showcasing Van Gogh's deep friendship with Roulin, whom he admired for his kindness and strong character.

In these portraits, Roulin is usually shown in his postal uniform, with bold, expressive brushstrokes and vibrant colors. Van Gogh used vivid blues, greens, and yellows to capture both the physical likeness and the inner personality of his subject, often reflecting his own emotional state through these choices.

The series is significant because it illustrates Van Gogh’s belief in portraying ordinary people with dignity and emotional depth. The portraits can be found in major museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Kröller-Müller Museum.