Lullaby: Madame Augustine Roulin Rocking a Cradle (La Berceuse), 1889.
What does friendship look like in paint?
“Van Gogh: The Roulin Family,” on view at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, explores one of the most tender chapters in the artist’s life. During his time in Arles, Van Gogh painted a vibrant series of portraits of his friend Joseph Roulin—the local postman—and his family, capturing their likenesses with vivid color, swirling line, and deep affection.
This focused exhibition reunites these iconic works from international collections, offering a rare glimpse into the emotional resonance behind Van Gogh’s brush. It’s not just a portrait series—it’s a visual record of trust, connection, and chosen family.