The Post Master, so full of character.  A truthful rendition of Van Gogh’s original oil painting, 'The Postman Joseph Roulin', created in 1888.  The blue hues are vivid and contrasting, lines bold, brushstrokes definite.  Together, delivering a striking impression upon the viewer.  Van Gogh painting this portrait at a time of inner turmoil.  Most often, the times when his colors were at their most brilliant. Van Gogh’s abandonment of integrity and furious intensity creating some of his most impassioned art works. 

In 1890, the year of his untimely death, Vincent Van Gogh wrote to his sister, 'I should like to do portraits which will appear as revelations to people in a hundred years' time.' Van Gogh met Joseph Roulin, the post master, while staying in Arles.  His art works at the time, sought to portray the strength and the real beauty of the working classes.

While others in the town had Van Gogh down as the 'fou rou', which means 'the crazy redhead', the post master and his family accepted him.  Van Gogh painted Joseph Roulin seven times, but only once did he include more than the head and shoulders.  This version, with the post master sitting in his cane chair, resting his arm on the table, ultimately becoming one of the most famous oil paintings in the world.