Skip to Main Content

 Admission is always freeOpen today: 10:00  to 5:00  Directions             Play Artle            

                  -  Visit                      - Visit
                    - Getting Here
                    - Accessibility
                    - Tours, Guides & Maps
                    - Food & Drink
                    - Gallery Shops
                    - Visitor Policies 
                  -  Collection                      - Collection
                    - Highlights
                    - Search the Collection
                    - Artists Search
                    - Acquisition Highlights
                    - Stories
                    - Games 
                  -  Exhibitions                      - Exhibitions
                    - Current
                    - Special Installations
                    - Upcoming
                    - On Tour
                    - Past 
                  -  Calendar                      - Calendar
                    - Films
                    - Performances
                    - Talks
                    - Guided Tours
                    - After Hours
                    - Fun for Kids
                    - Festivals
                    - Workshops 
                  -  Learn                      - Learn
                    - Teachers
                    - Families
                    - Teens
                    - Adults
                    - Learning Resources
                    - Music Programs
                    - Film Programs 
                  -  Conservation                      - Conservation
                    - Projects
                    - Publications
                    - Resources 
                  -  Research                      - Research
                    - The Center
                    - Publications
                    - Make an Appointment
                    - Archives
                    - Library
                    - NGA Online Editions 
                  -  Support                      - Support
                    - Donate Now
                    - National Membership
                    - Circle Membership
                    - Leadership Groups
                    - Planned Giving
                    - Major Giving
                    - Gifts of Art 
                  -  Shop                      - Shop
                    - Books
                    - Jewelry
                    - Apparel & Accessories
                    - Kids
                    - NGA Custom Prints 
                  -  Play Artle

Home>National Gallery of Art Communications Office>Exhibitions>Celebrating Van Gogh at the National Gallery of Art

Updated: August 18, 2014

Father and Daughter Famously Immortalized by Vincent van Gogh to be Reunited this Summer; On View June 8 through September 18, 2014, Just in Time for Father’s Day

**Vincent van Gogh*, Portrait of Joseph Roulin*, February - March 1889**oil on canvas, overall: 65 54 cm (25 9/16 21 1/4 in.); framed: 80.5 69.5 9 cm (31 11/16 27 3/8 3 9/16 in.) Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, The Netherlands

The postman Joseph Roulin, who Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) made famous through a series of portraits, will be exhibited for the first time in the National Gallery of Art’s West Building French Galleries from June 8 to September 18, 2014. On loan from the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, The Netherlands, the *Portrait of Joseph Roulin* (1889) will hang alongside the Gallery’s own *Roulin’s Baby* (1888), the portrait of the postman’s daughter Marcelle as an infant. Though painted within a year of each other, this is the first time these versions of the works will be shown together, along with other related works by Van Gogh. 

Shortly after moving to the river port town of Arles in the south of France, Van Gogh began painting the Roulin family. In letters, the artist idealized the patriarch. On canvas, he immortalized him; his wife, Augustine; and their three children, Armand, Camille and baby Marcelle.

“The relationship between Van Gogh and the Roulins was extraordinary,” said Earl A. Powell III, director, National Gallery of Art. “The artist’s admiration for them is evident in these portraits and the opportunity to see these portraits of father and daughter reunited again, for the first time in 125 years, is not only a touching tribute to the enduring bonds of friendship, but a poignant reflection on family.”

The portraits of the postman and his daughter Marcelle will go on view in Gallery 83 with seven other paintings by Van Gogh from the Gallery’s holdings, including *Girl in White* (1890), *La Mousmé* (1888), *The Olive Orchard* (1889), *Roses* (1890), and the recent acquisition *Green Wheat Fields, Auvers* (1890). This painting was bequeathed to the Gallery by renowned philanthropist, art collector and Gallery benefactor Paul Mellon (1907–1999), subject to a life estate in his wife, Rachel Lambert Mellon (1910—2014), which gave her the right to possess the work for her lifetime. She relinquished the remainder of her life estate in July 2013, seven months prior to her death, allowing the Gallery to take immediate possession of the painting.

Currently undergoing conservation treatment, *Still Life of Oranges and Lemons with Blue Gloves* (1889) is another major painting from the bequest of Paul Mellon, and will also be part of this installation.

*Farmhouse in Provence* (1888) will be on view until early July, when it will be replaced with the artist’s *Self-Portrait* (1889).

Thanks to the generosity of important benefactors such as Mr. Mellon, Ailsa Mellon Bruce, Chester Dale, Pamela Harriman, and John Hay Whitney, the National Gallery of Art has 10 paintings by Van Gogh, six of which are currently on view in Washington. In addition, the Gallery owns 11 prints and drawings by the artist that may be seen by appointment by calling 202- 842-6380.

General Information

[email protected]

[email protected]

NEWSLETTERS:The Gallery also offers a broad range of newsletters for various interests. Follow this link to view the complete list.

**Press Release**

Exhibition Checklist (PDF 123KB)

Mellon Bequest

### Stay connected

Learn more about our exhibitions, news, programs, and special offers.

About
          - About the National Gallery
          - Stories
          - Press
          - FAQs
          - Contact Us

Plan a Visit
          - Getting Here
          - Accessibility
          - Today's Tours
          - Food & Drink
          - Calendar
          - Downloadable Map

Get Involved
          - Donate
          - Membership
          - Volunteer
          - Opportunities
          - Shop Online

Resources
          - Search the Collection
          - Conservation
          - Library
          - Archives
          - The Center
          - Film Programs
          - Music Programs
          - Audio/Video
          - Open Access Images

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

**West Building**6th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter or exit from Constitution Avenue, 4th Street, or 7th Street. The Madison Drive entrance is currently closed.*

**East Building**4th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 4th Street.*

**Sculpture Garden**7th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 7th Street, Constitution Avenue, or Madison Drive.*

We are closed on December 25 and January 1.

*The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity.*

          -  Twitter 
          -  Facebook 
          -  Instagram 
          -  Pinterest 
          -  YouTube 

© 2024 National Gallery of Art   Notices   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy