Head of a Woman

In 1909, after meeting Constantin Brancusi, Modigliani began to produce sculptures by carving into stone, completing about 25 works throughout his short career. The style of these abstracted, elongated heads is echoed in his subsequent figure and portrait paintings. In addition to African art, Modigliani’s sculptures reflect his knowledge of ancient Cycladic, Sumerian, Egyptian, and Greek art.

The present head was one of seven that were exhibited at the Salon d'Automne in Paris in October 1912. Modigliani intended for the heads to be parts of "columns of tenderness" within a primordial "temple of beauty" that remained unrealized. According to the account of his close friend Jacob Epstein, Modigliani used to place candles on top of these heads during the night. Spurred on by marijuana, he would give the totemic, illuminated sculptures affectionate embraces.

Have a great Monday, everyone!

P.S. Amedeo Modigliani loved to paint portraits of women. Here, you can read more about them!