Roulin’s Baby 1888

Vincent van Gogh painted "Roulin’s Baby," also known as "Marcelle Roulin," using oil on canvas. The Roulin family befriended Van Gogh during his time in Arles, and he painted each member. Painted at a time when infant mortality was significantly higher than it is today, the painting touches on the universal themes of motherhood and the preciousness of new life. Van Gogh’s distinctive, expressive brushstrokes evoke a sense of tenderness and vulnerability. The child's direct gaze meets yours, creating an intimate connection. In choosing to represent Marcelle, Van Gogh departs from traditional, idealized portrayals, instead capturing the raw and unfiltered essence of a working-class baby. Note the gold bracelet on the child's wrist, a common gift that transcends class. It acts as a reminder of life's fragility and beauty amidst hardship.