The artwork titled “Joseph Roulin, Three-Quarter-Length” is a creation by Vincent van Gogh, etched in ink on paper in the year 1888 during his stay in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France. This piece represents the Post-Impressionist movement and falls under the genre of sketches and studies. It is currently housed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, California, US.
In this artwork, Van Gogh has captured the essence of Joseph Roulin, depicted from a three-quarter length vantage point. The subject is adorned in a uniform, likely indicative of his profession, and is seated, exuding a sense of composed demeanor. The meticulous use of ink reveals Van Gogh’s deft hand and unwavering attention to detail, characterized by the hatching and cross-hatching techniques that give depth and texture to the form. The simplicity of the composition and the confidence in the strokes evoke a study rooted in sincere observation, typical of the artist’s exploratory sketches. The presence of minimal background elements directs focus entirely onto Roulin, allowing viewers an intimate glimpse into the relationship between the artist and his subject.
