Vincent van Gogh
"Portrait of Postman Joseph Roulin", 1888–1889

Joseph Roulin, the postman from Arles, became famous by chance—his name etched into art history almost by accident. Van Gogh painted this dignified middle-aged man, with his striking beard combed neatly to either side and an open, inquisitive gaze, more often than he painted himself. To be precise, there are six portraits of Joseph Roulin and three drawings.

Van Gogh met the Roulin family in the summer of 1888, several months after arriving in Arles. He quickly became a frequent guest in their home, painting not just Joseph but every member of his household. When Van Gogh was hospitalized following a breakdown and a violent quarrel with Gauguin, both Joseph and his wife visited him. In letters to his brother Theo, Vincent referred to Roulin simply as “my friend.”

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