Madame Roulin and Her Baby

In this intimate portrait, a woman with a calm, almost wistful expression holds a baby swaddled in white. The soft, swirling brushstrokes that define the figures and background create a sense of movement and warmth. This painting captures Augustine Roulin, the wife of postman Joseph Roulin, and their infant daughter Marcelle, who was around three months old at the time. Van Gogh met Joseph Roulin after moving to Arles, and the family became close acquaintances, inspiring a series of portraits often referred to as "The Roulin Family." The vigorously painted surface, with its thick application of paint, emphasizes the tender bond between mother and child, making this a deeply personal and emotionally resonant work.