Zouave Sitting, Whole Figure 1888

Vincent van Gogh made this drawing of a seated Zouave soldier with pen and ink. Notice the way the rapid strokes create not only the form of the figure, but also a sense of depth and texture. The artist's process of mark-making embodies a raw, almost frantic energy. The pen never seems to leave the page, giving the drawing a continuous, unbroken quality. This not only captures the likeness of the soldier, but also suggests something about the intensity of van Gogh's own gaze, and how he saw the world. The choice of humble materials – pen and ink on paper – contrasts with the subject matter: a soldier, symbolic of the grand narratives of nation and military might. Yet, by rendering the Zouave in such a direct, unadorned manner, van Gogh seems to bring him down to earth, emphasizing his humanity over his status. This drawing invites us to consider the labor involved in both art-making and soldiering, and challenges us to look beyond the surface to find the deeper connections between people, materials, and the stories they tell.