Intense period
The portraits of ‘an entire family’ held special significance for Van Gogh. Vincent never married, and did not have any children. The Roulins were more than just models to him; with them he found the warmth of a family that he was never able to start.
Van Gogh made the portraits in the intense period in which he was at the peak of his artistic abilities, worked with Paul Gauguin in the Yellow House, and dreamed of colourful portraits with profound meaning. But it was also a period of increasing loneliness and mental health problems for the artist.
Family, friendship and connection
When Van Gogh suffered a mental crisis and was admitted to hospital after cutting off his ear in a state of total confusion, Roulin gave Vincent his unwavering support. The exhibition therefore tells a story of family, friendship and connection.
‘While Roulin isn’t exactly old enough to be like a father to me, all the same he has silent solemnities and tendernesses for me like an old soldier would have for a young one.’
Vincent van Gogh to his brother Theo, Arles, c. 4 April 1889
Together again at last
Van Gogh painted members of the Roulin family many times. He sent several of these paintings to his brother Theo, but also gifted portraits to the Roulins. The portraits were later sold, and became scattered amongst museums and private collections around the world.
A large number of the portraits are being reunited for the first time in Van Gogh and the Roulins. Together Again at Last. On view until 11 January 2025.
