Portrait of Armand Roulin Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

The portrait presents a young man in profile, viewed from approximately three-quarter angle. He is positioned centrally within the composition and occupies nearly the entire vertical space. The subject wears a dark hat that casts shadows across his face, obscuring part of his forehead and emphasizing the prominence of his nose. A dark jacket with visible lapels frames his upper body, while a light-colored tie or scarf adds a subtle contrast against the somber tones of his attire.
The artist employed a distinctive brushstroke technique characterized by short, thick applications of paint that follow the contours of the form and create a textured surface. The color palette is dominated by greens, blues, and browns, with variations in hue used to model the planes of the face and clothing. A vibrant green background serves as a backdrop, its uneven application contributing to an overall sense of dynamism.
The young man’s gaze appears directed downwards, conveying a mood of introspection or perhaps melancholy. The slight downturn of his mouth reinforces this impression. There is a certain stillness about him, yet the energetic brushwork prevents the image from feeling static.
Subtly, the painting suggests themes of youth and contemplation. The subjects attire hints at a degree of formality, but the overall effect is one of quiet dignity rather than ostentation. The green background, while visually striking, also creates a sense of isolation or detachment, potentially reflecting an internal state of mind. The use of profile view can be interpreted as a distancing technique, allowing for a more objective observation of the subjects character.