La Berceuse (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.
Available Un-framed Versions
Available Framed Versions
Van Gogh created several versions of La Berceuse in 1889, envisioning Augustine Roulin as the symbolic “mother figure,” or “berceuse” - meaning the woman who rocks the cradle. He imagined a triptych featuring this portrait flanked by his Sunflowers, creating a warm, comforting trio meant to evoke stability and tenderness.
Augustine appears composed, her clasped hands holding a rope tied to an imaginary cradle. The decorative floral wallpaper behind her echoes influences from Japanese prints and the vibrant Arles color palette. Van Gogh relied on bold outlines and flat fields of color inspired by cloisonnism, giving the piece its graphic, intentional structure.
The painting reflects van Gogh’s yearning for emotional grounding during a turbulent period of his mental health. Today, La Berceuse is celebrated for its mix of intimacy, symbolism, and striking color harmony—one of the finest portraits from his Arles years.
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