In Portrait of Joseph Roulin, Vincent van Gogh presents a striking depiction of the postman Joseph Roulin. The painting features bold colors, primarily rich yellows and blues, which create a vibrant atmosphere. Roulin is shown with a serious expression, wearing a blue uniform and a yellow scarf, set against a contrasting background.

The brushwork is loose and expressive, typical of van Gogh's style, adding to the emotional impact of the piece. This artwork is an oil on canvas, measuring approximately 65 x 54 cm. The use of color and brushstroke technique is characteristic of Post-Impressionism, where van Gogh emphasizes emotional expression over realistic representation. The painting captures the essence of Roulin's character, showcasing his role as a postman in Arles.

Viewers can appreciate the texture created by the thick application of paint, known as impasto. Vincent van Gogh painted Portrait of Joseph Roulin in 1888 during his time in Arles, where he developed a close friendship with Roulin. This work is part of a series of portraits he created of Roulin, highlighting the artist's fascination with the human figure. An interesting fact about this painting is that it reflects van Gogh's exploration of color theory, using complementary colors to enhance the visual impact.

Roulin later became a significant figure in van Gogh's life, representing the connection between the artist and the local community.