“Portrait of Joseph Roulin” 1888

Personal Reflection

This moment was deeply personal for me. I was invited by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston to attend the exhibition on the Roulin family in October 2025 — something that meant a great deal to me, both as an art lover and as someone who has long studied Van Gogh’s work. Standing in front of this portrait of the postman Roulin was incredibly moving. I know what Roulin meant to Vincent — not just as a model, but as a true friend, a source of warmth and human connection during one of the most intense periods of his life in Arles. What struck me was not only the emotional depth, but also the physical presence of the painting — its size, its structure, and how faithful it feels to the real man we later come to know through photography. There is something honest and grounded in the way Vincent represents him, but at the same time, full of affection. This is not just a portrait. It is a reflection of a genuine, loving friendship. Being there, in that exhibition, surrounded by the Roulin family portraits, I felt a deep emotional connection — as if, for a moment, I could understand that bond from within. It was one of the most meaningful experiences of my journey.