Roulin's Baby, 1888. Vincent van Gogh. Vincent van Gogh, Roulin's Baby, 1888, NGA 46506.jpg (source). CC0 1.0.
Roulin's Baby, 1888
Vincent van Gogh · 1888, December
- Catalog
- F440
- Date
- 1888, December
- Place painted
- Arles
- Museum
- National Gallery of Art
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
About the painting
Roulin's Baby is an exceptionally tender portrait of Marcelle Roulin, the youngest child of Van Gogh's cherished friends, the postman Joseph Roulin and his wife Augustine. Painted in Arles, this intimate work captures the infant nestled in a cradle or swaddling. Van Gogh renders the baby with a delicate yet assured touch, using soft blues, pinks, and whites that convey innocence and vulnerability. The background, often a vibrant yellow or green, provides a warm, comforting aura. This portrait exemplifies Van Gogh's deep affection for the Roulin family and his ability to capture the profound purity and sweetness of childhood through his unique and empathetic artistic vision.
Collection: National Gallery of Art. Whether it is currently on view should be confirmed with the museum before visiting.
Research note: this entry is based on an evolving catalog. Dates, attribution, location and visitor information should be verified against the institution’s current records.