The Zouave Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

Here we observe a portrait study executed in colored pencils on paper. The subject is a man dressed in the distinctive uniform of a Zouave soldier – a type of light infantryman often recruited from North African populations during French colonial expansion. He faces directly forward, his gaze steady and somewhat detached. A neatly trimmed mustache adorns his upper lip, contributing to an air of formality and perhaps even a touch of self-assuredness.
The artist has employed a limited palette, dominated by greens, blues, reds, and yellows. The background is a flat expanse of green, providing minimal depth and directing the viewer’s attention squarely onto the figure. The soldiers uniform is rendered in a vibrant blue with intricate patterns of red and yellow floral motifs – details that suggest an attempt to capture both the military function and decorative elements of his attire. The hat, a distinctive conical shape combining red and blue hues, sits prominently atop his head, further emphasizing his identity as a Zouave soldier.
The drawing’s style is characterized by bold outlines and simplified forms. Theres a deliberate lack of subtle shading or nuanced modeling; instead, the colors are applied in relatively flat planes, creating a somewhat graphic quality. This approach lends an immediacy to the work, suggesting it might be a preparatory sketch rather than a finished piece.
The inscription in the upper right corner, written in French (à mon cher copain – Emile Bernard – Arles), indicates that this was intended as a gift for a friend named Emile Bernard. The phrase cher copain (dear friend) suggests an affectionate relationship between the artist and the subject.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a soldier, subtexts emerge from the work’s context. The Zouave uniform itself carries connotations of colonial power and French expansionism in North Africa. While the portrait presents the individual with dignity, it also implicitly acknowledges his role within a larger imperial system. The gift aspect – the personal inscription – introduces an element of intimacy that complicates this reading; it suggests a human connection transcending the political implications of the uniform. The simplicity of execution and the directness of the gaze might be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to portray authenticity, stripping away artifice and presenting the subject in a straightforward manner.