Art Lecture with Thomas Germano - Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits

Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) was in Arles, in the south of France in 1888 and ’89 with a vision of establishing an artist’s colony. This led to a brief visit by fellow painter Paul Gauguin. During Vincent’s time in Arles, he created a number of portraits of a local family, the postman Joseph Roulin; his wife, Augustine; and their three children: Armand, Camille, and Marcelle. Van Gogh was single and childless and found comfort in his relationship with the Roulins. His portraits of them capture an intimacy that resonates across place and time. Van Gogh’s close relationship with the postman and his family, and his multiple expressive portrayals of them reveal the deep bonds of friendship between the artist and this family.

Earlier Dutch art and Japanese woodblock prints profoundly influenced Van Gogh’s portrait practice. Letters written by Postman Roulin bring to life the deep bond of friendship and a major turning point in Van Gogh’s life, as he moved to a new city and grappled with his mental health that rapidly deteriorated, leading to his hospitalization and institutionalization. 

The Boston MFA will host the first ever exhibition of works centered around this theme, “The Roulin Family,” from March 30-September 7, 2025. Professor Thomas Germano will present a visual lecture discussing the life and works related to Vincent’s subjects, the Post Officer’s Family.