“Portrait of Milliet, Second Lieutenant of the Zouaves” is an oil painting on canvas created in 1888 by Vincent van Gogh in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France. This work, belonging to the Post-Impressionism art movement, measures 60 by 49 cm and belongs to the portrait genre. The artwork is currently housed at the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.
In the artwork, the subject is depicted wearing a military uniform that features distinct detailing, with a black jacket adorned with ornate embroidery and a red kepi cap accented with black and gold. The background is rendered in a textured, swirling green, typical of van Gogh’s expressive brushwork, and includes a crescent moon and star in the top right, adding a symbolic dimension to the portrayal. The subject’s face is characterized by strong, detailed features and a meticulous depiction of his reddish beard, conveying a sense of individuality and character. The bold, vibrant color palette and the expressive application of paint are hallmarks of van Gogh’s style, contributing to the painting’s dynamic and arresting presence.
