🖼️ Portrait of Joseph Roulin – Vincent van Gogh (1889)

🖼️ Portrait of Joseph Roulin – Vincent van Gogh (1889)

Hand-painted reproduction – By Alpha Reproduction

A man of the people, a faithful friend: Van Gogh celebrates the simple kindness of the postman Roulin

Painted in Arles in 1888 and 1889, the Portrait of Joseph Roulin is much more than a simple portrait: it is a vibrant tribute to friendship, popular dignity, and comforting human presence.
Joseph Roulin, a postman at the Arles train station, became one of the closest friends of Van Gogh, at a time when the artist was suffering from loneliness and mental troubles. Through this portrait, Van Gogh does not seek to flatter, but to honor the soul of a just, generous, and deeply human man.

A monumental figure, a quiet emotion

An open face, a imposing beard, a peaceful gaze

Joseph Roulin is depicted facing forward, dressed in his blue postal uniform, adorned with golden buttons, with the inscription "POSTES" on the cap.
His bearded face, with full features and a thick beard, is painted with warmth and respect. The gentle eyes, slightly squinted, express quiet kindness, listening and stability.

The green floral background, made of decorative swirls, gives the composition a touch of poetry, evoking the Japanese prints that Van Gogh admired. This contrast between the solemnity of the figure and the decorative lightness of the background creates a perfect balance between strength and softness.

A portrait of friendship, stability, and true humanity

Van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo:

"I painted the portrait of a good man, loyal, very French, very republican... a face as it should be to honor real life."

It is a work full of gratitude, where every brushstroke is a gesture of esteem and emotion. Van Gogh painted Roulin several times, alone or with his family, bearing witness to a deep human tenderness.

Hand-painted reproduction – By Alpha Reproduction

A vibrant and sincere portrait, recreated with fidelity and intensity

At Alpha Reproduction, Portrait of Joseph Roulin is entirely hand-painted in oil on canvas, with attention given to:

• The richness of the blue of the uniform, symbol of dignity

• The textured beard, lively and realistic

• The green floral background, rhythmic and symbolic

• The calm and kind expression of the model

• The nervous and expressive stroke, characteristic of Van Gogh

📜 Certificate of authenticity provided
📐 Customizable formats – stretched or rolled canvas
🖼️ Raw wood framing, sober gold or classic black on request

An ideal painting for lovers of human portraits, everyday scenes, and expressive painting

This portrait will find its place in a cozy living room, a library, a personal office, or a collection dedicated to the art of human connection. It will speak to those who value honesty, presence, and simplicity full of strength.

Order today your reproduction of Portrait de Joseph Roulin (1889) – Vincent van Gogh

With this hand-painted reproduction, you welcome into your space a strong, tender, and human portrait, witness to one of Van Gogh's rare lasting friendships.
At Alpha Reproduction, each work is recreated with respect, intensity, and workshop expertise.

🎨 Oil on canvas – 🖌️ Hand-painted – 📦 International shipping guaranteed

Order now a true, powerful, and deeply moving portrait.