Vincent van Gogh’s time in southern France in the late 1880s was marked by both turmoil and productivity. During this period, he befriended Joseph Roulin, a 47-year-old postman at the Arles train station, and their relationship became significant in van Gogh’s artistic journey.
Roulin, depicted in his iconic blue uniform and “postes” hat, became one of van Gogh’s most famous subjects. The artist went on to paint the entire Roulin family, creating a total of 26 portraits of Joseph, his wife Augustine, and their three children. This portrait series is considered to be one of the most impressive in art history by the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
In a letter to his brother, van Gogh expressed his joy in painting the entire Roulin family, stating, “You can sense how in my element that makes me feel.” The artist found inspiration and comfort in the warmth of the Roulin family, who seemingly energized and supported him during his troubled times.
The Roulin portraits, which have been scattered across various museums and private collections, are now coming together in a new exhibition titled “Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits.” The exhibition will open at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston before traveling to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
Van Gogh’s connection with the Roulin family was deep-rooted, with Joseph Roulin playing a crucial role in the artist’s life. When van Gogh mutilated his ear in 1888, it was Roulin who took care of him and helped him through his recovery process. The artist completed numerous paintings and sketches of the Roulin family, capturing their essence and character.
The exhibition will not only showcase the portraits but also shed light on the lives of the Roulins through photographs, letters, and historical accounts. It will provide a glimpse into the family dynamics and individual stories of each family member, including their post-Van Gogh lives.
“Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits” will offer visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the intimate world of the Roulins and experience the profound impact they had on van Gogh’s artistry. The exhibition will provide a deeper understanding of the artist’s connection with the family and the role they played in his life and work.
The exhibition is set to open at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and later travel to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, where it will be on display for art enthusiasts and history buffs to explore and appreciate. Don’t miss this rare chance to witness the beauty and depth of van Gogh’s portrayal of the Roulin family in this captivating exhibition.
