The Postman (Joseph Roulin) (1888) by Vincent Van Gogh

The Postman (Joseph Roulin) — Vincent van Gogh (1888)

Van Gogh’s affectionate portrait of his Arles friend, Joseph Roulin, glows with saturated colour and rhythmic patterning. The blue postal uniform and gold-lettered cap anchor the composition while the sinuous, floral backdrop hums with life—a quintessential 1888 work where empathy meets daring modern colour.

Why it captivates

• A friendship immortalised — Roulin was Van Gogh’s steadfast ally in Arles, lovingly painted again and again.

• Colour as emotion — rich blues, greens and warm flesh tones deliver Van Gogh’s signature intensity.

• Decorative lyricism — swirling floral wallpaper gives the portrait a musical, almost hypnotic cadence.

• Modern icon — bold outlines and simplified planes that helped define Post-Impressionism.

• Conversation piece — instantly recognisable, uplifting, and deeply human.

What you’ll see

A three-quarter portrait of Joseph Roulin in his navy “POSTES” cap and jacket, his full beard catching warm light. Van Gogh’s brushwork is energetic yet controlled—cresting around the contours of Roulin’s face and badge, then loosening into the green, flowered wallpaper behind. The result: a calm, dignified sitter set against a living pattern that seems to breathe.

A richer historical frame

Painted in Arles, 1888, this is part of Van Gogh’s intimate series devoted to the Roulin family—Joseph, his wife Augustine (La Berceuse), and their children. The postman supported Van Gogh during difficult months, and the artist repaid that kindness in paint: colour, character, and gratitude woven into portraits that helped shape the language of modern art.

Choose your finish

🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival, smooth matte—ideal under glass with crisp linework and minimal glare.

💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable and wipe-clean.

🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-grade canvas with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich colour and gentle surface texture.

🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

Size (W × H)

696 × 841 mm (approx. 27.40 × 33.11 in)

• Orientation: Portrait

• Aspect ratio: 24 : 29 (≈ 0.828 : 1)

• Nearest standard frame: 70 × 100 cm portrait with mat window

• Framing tips:

  • For a classic look, use a 70 × 100 cm frame with a mat window cut slightly undersize (e.g., ~692 × 837 mm) to overlap edges by 2–3 mm.

  • For a contemporary look, float-mount to reveal a clean border inside the frame.

• Custom sizing: Available on request (alternate squares/ratios or added white border).

Specifications

Who it’s for

• Van Gogh admirers & art collectors

• Design-led interiors seeking heroic colour and warmth

• Educators & students exploring Post-Impressionism

• Gift-givers celebrating milestone occasions

Our Commitment

Printed locally in Australia with careful colour management, then hand-checked and packed so it arrives ready to hang or frame. Need a different size? We’ll tailor it for your space.

Bring Van Gogh’s luminous Arles portrait to your wall—order your Joseph Roulin print today.