Art

The Portrait of Joseph Roulin by Vincent Van Gogh is Van Gogh's representation of his friend and idol, Joseph Roulin. The portrait is a drawing, rendered in brown ink and black chalk. While impressionistic, the portrait is also realistic- conveying an actual resemblance to a person. This portrait was significant because it was painted during Van Gogh's period in Arles, France. While productive in Arles, Van Gogh was also relatively isolated, and considered Roulin one of his dearest friends. This is interesting because Roulin is not depicted in a friendly manner, but appears severe and somewhat imposing. This may be because Van Gogh believed Roulin was an impressive and was man, as well as a dear friend. Therefore, his choice of medium may have been made in order to convey wisdom, rather than friendliness.

Girl before a Mirror by Pablo Picasso is an oil on canvas. Like Picasso's other...
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