When my wife and I visited the Van Gogh Museum last fall, we were lucky enough to catch an interesting temporary exhibit entitled, “”Van Gogh and the Roulins. Together Again at Last”.
This exhibition focused on Vincent van Gogh’s deep friendship with the Roulin family during his time in Arles (1888–1889). The friendship with this family allowed him to develop his skills as a portrait painter. The family was warm and welcoming to Vincent, and helped him through the turbulent time when he cut off his ear. This was the first exhibit dedicated to this family and the first time these paintings were assembled under one roof (they were gathered from collections around the world).
Joseph Roulin, the father, was a local postman with a striking beard and uniform. He became one of Van Gogh’s closest friends and a frequent portrait subject. You’ll see one of his portraits at the top of this post and a close-up below. Of interest, the exhibit had that actual chair Mr. Roulin was sitting in when Van Gogh created this portrait.
The artist painted not only Joseph, but his entire family— his wife Augustine, and their children Armand (age 17), Camille (age 11), and baby Marcelle.
His sessions produced around 26 portraits of the family members in a short period. Seven paintings were given to the Roulins, which Mr. Roulin sold for a pittance over time to supplement his meager pension (he was not aware of their value).
Also included in the exhibit was Van Gogh’s Yellow House, a portrait of his home and studio in Arles.
