Amedeo Modigliani
On this day in 1884 Amedeo Modigliani, now recognized as one of the greatest figurative painters of the early 20th century, was born. When you see his work you immediately recognize it; his distinctive nudes and portraits of friends from the vibrant artistic community of Montmartre display his characteristic use of bold contours, long oval faces, and elongated bodies.
Today's painting depicts his muse, lover, and a mother of his child. Jeanne Hébuterne was a young aspiring artist when she met Modigliani in March 1917. They fell in love and moved to the Côte d’Azur, where Jeanne gave birth to their daughter. After returning to Paris in May 1919, Modigliani’s health deteriorated due to alcohol and drug abuse, poverty, and childhood afflictions. The artist died on January 24, 1920; Jeanne, pregnant with their second child, died by suicide two days later.
During their tragically short partnership, Modigliani depicted Hébuterne more than twenty times, typically emphasizing her thick auburn hair and blue eyes. These sensitive portraits are among the artist’s best known works. He presents her in a white chemise, gracefully seated in a large chair. Her left hand touches her cheek pensively, as her head gently tilts to the right. The asymmetrical composition and sitter’s elongated form evidence Modigliani’s citation of 16th-century Italian Mannerist painting.
Yesterday we shared Hébuterne's Self-Portrait; don't miss it!