“Postman Joseph Roulin” is an artwork by Vincent van Gogh, rendered in oil on canvas in 1888 in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France. This piece, which belongs to the Post-Impressionism movement, measures 81.3 x 65.4 cm. It is a portrait and currently resides in the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, MA, US.
The artwork presents a postman, Joseph Roulin, seated in a commanding yet relaxed posture. He dons a blue uniform, adorned with gold buttons and embroidery, indicative of his profession. His cap, bearing the word “POSTES,” furthers this identification. The artist employs bold, expressive brushstrokes and a vivid color palette, hallmarks of the Post-Impressionism movement, to bring out the texture of Roulin’s beard and the folds of his uniform. The background, a swirling mix of blues, contrasts with the rich tones of the figure’s attire, drawing the eye to the detailed depiction of Roulin. This portrayal emphasizes the subject’s dignified presence and the everyday nobility of his role.
