Braids

A Visitor at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston views Vincent Van Gogh’s portrait of Madame Roulin.  While in Arles recovering from a serious mental health episode, Van Gogh painted Augustine Roulin, the wife of postal worker Joseph Roulin.  The portrait is filled with exaggerated colours set against a vividly patterned floral background.  Madame Roulin is seated in Paul Gauguin’s Chair, perhaps an attempt to fill the space left by the fraught departure of Van Gogh’s friend and fellow artist.  The rope in her hands leads to a cradle beyond the confines of the frame.  Van Gogh titled the painting “la Berceuse,” which means both “lullaby” and “she who rocks the cradle.” 

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Oil on Hardboard

12 x 9 Inches

2024

Available for purchase.