Chicago’s Art Institute has many of Van Gogh’s works and one of the lesser known works of his currently on display is Madame Roulin Rocking the Cradle. The portraits he composed were often times people he personally and even friends. When looking through Vincent’s paintings in chronological order, a narrative of …show more content…
“La Berceuse” is a French world with multiple meanings: lullaby, rocking chair, a woman who rocks an infant, and cradle that rocks. Madame Roulin was a mother of three so the title reflects her actual role as a mother. Between the hands of Madame Roulin’s hands is a rope that is connected to a cradle hidden outside of the picture frame. As you follow the figures gaze, she is deemed to be looking at the cradle in which her infant is in, slowly rocking it into a calm slumber. The term also symbolizes a strong sense of nurture and familial support; a universal theme any viewer can relate to conspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s intention of providing consolation for the