Artwork
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman is an oil painting by Amedeo Modigliani. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The work is currently housed in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art, representing a key example of his mature portraiture.
Amedeo Modigliani, an Italian artist who became a prominent figure in the École de Paris after relocating to France in 1906, painted Portrait of a Woman in 1917. This oil painting exemplifies his distinctive modern aesthetic, characterized by a unique interpretation of the human form. The work is currently housed in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art, representing a key example of his mature portraiture.
Technique & Style
Modigliani's signature artistic language is evident in this oil portrait. The subject's elongated neck and face, along with her slender nose, reflect the artist's consistent departure from naturalistic representation. Executed with bold lines and areas of flat color, the painting employs a simplified approach to form. The woman's pale complexion further emphasizes the stylized quality, contributing to the work's distinctive visual impact.
Subject & Meaning
The painting presents a woman with short brown hair, depicted in a black top adorned with a gold pendant. Her direct, unwavering gaze engages the viewer, creating an immediate connection. Set against a dark, indistinct background that subtly lightens on the right, the figure's presence is emphasized. Her small mouth and prominent features contribute to a sense of quiet intensity, characteristic of Modigliani's introspective portraits.
History & Provenance
Created in 1917, during a prolific period for the artist in Paris, this oil painting reflects Modigliani's continued focus on portraiture. The artwork has since become part of a public collection, now residing within The Cleveland Museum of Art. Its journey from the artist's studio to its current institutional home underscores its recognized significance within modern art history.
Own this work as a print
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.
