The artwork titled “Portrait of Madame Augustine Roulin” was painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1888 while he was in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece is a significant example of the Post-Impressionism art movement. The portrait measures 65 by 55 centimeters and currently resides in the Oskar Reinhart Foundation in Winterthur, Switzerland.
In this portrait, Madame Augustine Roulin is depicted seated with a composed and gentle expression. The background, punctuated with shades of warm yellow and ochre, provides a vivid but tranquil setting. Through the window portrayed in the background, pots with what appear to be onions or garlic are visible, adding depth and a domestic context to the scene. The brush strokes, typical of Van Gogh’s style, are bold and textured, emphasizing the contours and expressions with an intense palette that imbues the subject with a robust sense of presence. Madame Roulin’s attire is captured in darker tones, contrasting with the luminous backdrop, and her hair is styled neatly, indicating a sense of both warmth and dignity.
