New Boston exhibition explores Van Gogh's bond with Roulin

Vincent van Gogh, the famous Impressionist painter, had a supportive friendship during a difficult time in his life. Joseph Roulin, a postman in Arles, helped Van Gogh when he struggled with mental illness. This bond is the focus of a new exhibition titled "Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits," which opens at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston on March 30, 2025. On December 23, 1888, Van Gogh famously cut off part of his ear. During this crisis, Roulin took care of him. He visited Van Gogh in a psychiatric hospital and wrote to Van Gogh's brother, Theo, to keep him informed. Roulin even paid Van Gogh's rent while he was receiving care. Van Gogh later described Roulin as a "good soul" who provided him with stability and friendship. The exhibition features over 20 of Van Gogh's portraits of Roulin and his family. It also includes works by other artists who influenced Van Gogh, such as Rembrandt and Paul Gauguin. Co-curator Katie Hanson noted that Roulin was more than just a model; their friendship was deep and meaningful. Van Gogh moved to Arles in search of inspiration from the bright colors and local people. He painted six portraits of Roulin between 1888 and 1889. These portraits show a companionship that stands in contrast to the loneliness found in other works by Van Gogh. Roulin, who was only 12 years older than Van Gogh, became a father figure to the artist. Their relationship allowed Van Gogh to experience family joy, as he painted portraits of Roulin's wife and children. Despite facing hostility from locals, the Roulin family accepted Van Gogh and provided him with a safe and caring environment. The exhibition will explore how their relationship helped Van Gogh develop his painting style. Van Gogh created many of his most famous works during a challenging period, producing 70 paintings in just 70 days. The curator hopes the exhibition will highlight the power of supportive relationships and how they can coexist with sadness and hope. "Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits" will run in Boston until September 7, 2025, before moving to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam from October 3, 2025, to January 11, 2026.