Artwork
Jeanne seated with the arm resting on the back of the chair
Jeanne seated with the arm resting on the back of the chair is an oil painting by Amedeo Modigliani. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the Norton Simon Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1918, this oil painting portrays Jeanne Hébuterne, a frequent sitter and the artist’s partner, seated with one arm resting on the back of a chair. The work is part of the Norton Simon Museum’s holdings and exemplifies Modigliani’s mature portraiture, characterized by elongated features and a restrained palette.
Subject & Meaning
Jeanne is shown in a black, long‑sleeved dress with a red skirt, her dark hair gathered in a bun. Her face, narrow and elongated, conveys a calm, slightly melancholic expression, while her relaxed pose suggests quiet introspection.
Technique & Style
Modigliani employs bold, simplified contours and flat areas of color, emphasizing the figure’s silhouette over detailed modeling. The background is rendered in muted blue‑grey tones, allowing the subject’s attire and form to dominate the composition.
History & Provenance
The artist, an Italian expatriate active in Paris since 1906, painted this work during his later period, when his portraits of Jeanne became a recurring theme. After changing hands several times, the painting entered the collection of the Norton Simon Museum, where it remains on display.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Amedeo Clemente Modigliani (US: ; Italian: ; 12 July 1884 – 24 January 1920) was an Italian painter and sculptor of the École de Paris who worked mainly in France.
