Postman Joseph Roulin 1888

Vincent van Gogh painted *Postman Joseph Roulin* using oil on canvas. The composition confronts us with a powerful presence: a seated man in uniform against a light blue backdrop. Consider how the structure of this portrait relies on colour to communicate. Van Gogh uses blue not just to define Roulin’s jacket, but also as the atmospheric background. This pervasive blue is set off by touches of yellow in the buttons, the cap’s lettering, and the earthy tones of Roulin's face and beard. Note how Van Gogh’s brushstrokes are applied with deliberate rhythm, giving the painting a textured surface that enlivens the figure. The portrait goes beyond mere representation, exploring ideas around identity and belonging. The postman becomes more than just a worker; he is rendered as an individual, his likeness built through colour and form, inviting endless interpretations about the human condition.