Bust of Zborowski

The Bust of Zborowski is a distinctive drawing created by Amedeo Modigliani Italian, 1884-1920. Executed in graphite on cream wove paper, this work showcases the artist's masterful draftsmanship and characteristic simplified style. Although the provided dating spans the years 1904 to 1920, the portrait subject, Léopold Zborowski, suggests that the sketch originates from Modigliani’s later, most productive years in Paris, a time defined by his connection to the Parisian avant-garde while retaining strong roots in Italian artistic traditions.

Zborowski, a Polish poet and art dealer, was not only Modigliani’s primary patron but also a close friend and key figure during the final years of the artist's life. This drawing reflects the intense observational practice Modigliani undertook, often utilizing pencil and paper to rapidly capture the essence of his sitters before committing to paint or sculpture. The bust maintains Modigliani's signature approach to portraiture: an economy of line defines the figure, emphasizing elongation in the neck and a reserved, almost mask-like quality in the face. This stylistic refinement exemplifies the artist’s unique integration of influences ranging from African sculpture to classical Renaissance forms.

As a fundamental example of Modernist portraiture, this piece is a vital record of Modigliani's output. The work is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering researchers and the public access to this important drawing. While the original resides within the museum, high-quality images and prints of the piece often circulate within the public domain, ensuring the enduring accessibility of this influential Modern master who linked the artistic currents of France and Italy.