The artwork entitled “La Berceuse (Augustine Roulin)” is a masterpiece created by the renowned Post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh in the year 1889. This oil on canvas painting epitomizes the height of Van Gogh’s artistic development during his time in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France. It measures 92.7 x 72.8 cm and is classified within the genre of portraiture. This artwork is currently housed in the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston.
In the artwork, the viewer is presented with the seated figure of Augustine Roulin, who appears calm and composed. Her hands are gently clasped together, resting comfortably in her lap. The artist has employed a vibrant palette dominated by shades of green and yellow, which is characteristic of his style during this period. Behind the sitter, the background is filled with an ornately patterned wallpaper that features a floral motif, pulsating with an intricate and rhythmic design, creating a lively contrast to the subject’s serene demeanor. Van Gogh’s bold use of color, emphatic brushwork, and the overall composition contribute to the emotional intensity of the painting, which is indicative of his contributions to the Post-Impressionist movement.
