Portrait of Joseph Roulin

The Story

Vincent van Gogh was a painter active at the boundary between Post-Impressionism and Neo-Impressionism, forging a distinctive style through intense color and bold brushwork. This work is a portrait of Joseph Roulin, his friend and model during his time in Paris, showing his interest in humanity and emotional depth. Van Gogh's paintings often reflect heightened emotion and psychological conflict, but this work reveals a more still, composed side. Its sale at a 1989 auction is an example showing that his artistic value continues to be steadily recognized over time.