La Berceuse (portrait of Augustine Roulin)
by Vincent van Gogh
Created in 1889
La Berceuse portrays Augustine Roulin, a close friend and the wife of postman Joseph Roulin, seated calmly with a rope in her hands, an object van Gogh imagined as part of a lullaby gesture for soothing a child. Painted during the artist’s prolific period in Arles, this portrait is rich with bold outlines, rhythmic patterns, and deep complementary colors. The intense greens, warm reds, and floral backdrop create a harmony that is both expressive and serene. This reproduction highlights van Gogh’s unique ability to turn everyday figures into powerful emotional icons.
