Vincent van Gogh, 1853 - 1890, Dutch Portrait of Joseph Roulin Private Collection Bridgeman Art Library, London SuperStock Van Gogh's best and most loyal friend in Arles was the postman. Van Gogh painted his portrait numerous times, as well as portraits of the entire Roulin family. Living in an asylum after his mental collapse, van Gogh copied his favorite paintings, including this one, from memory, sketches or paintings at hand.