Roulin’s Baby
1888
Van Gogh captured this adorable, slightly grumpy-looking baby in 1888 while living in Arles, France. The subject is Marcelle Roulin, the four-month-old daughter of his good friend, the local postman Joseph Roulin. Van Gogh was so fond of the family that he painted every single member of them! Notice the thick, chunky brushstrokes that give the baby's face and bonnet a wonderful, bumpy texture. The unusual green tint to the skin and background is a classic touch of his Post-Impressionist style, playing with color rather than strict realism. It's a charming snapshot of a baby who looks like they just woke up from a nap and aren't quite sure about the painter staring at them.
- Technique
- Oil paint
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