Portrait of Joseph Roulin 1889

Vincent van Gogh painted this portrait of Joseph Roulin using oil on canvas, capturing his friend's likeness and character. Roulin was a postman in Arles, France, where van Gogh lived in 1888 and 1889. Painted during a time of significant social change and growing industrialization across Europe, this work presents the figure of the postman, a key component in the communication networks that bound communities together. Van Gogh's choice to depict Roulin in his uniform is particularly meaningful. The uniform emphasizes Roulin's role as a public servant and a symbol of civic duty. The thick brushstrokes and vibrant colors, quite radical for the period, underscore the sitter’s humanity and presence, elevating him beyond mere representation of his profession. To truly understand art, we must engage with the social conditions of its time. Studying postal archives, local histories, and even sociological studies of the period can provide a richer context for van Gogh's work. The meaning of art lies not just in the image itself, but in its dialogue with the world around it.