Portrait of a Woman

The painting Portrait of a Woman was created by Amedeo Modigliani Italian, 1884-1920, sometime between 1912 and 1922. Executed in oil on cardboard, this work exemplifies the distinctive aesthetic Modigliani developed during his crucial years working in Paris. Though originally hailing from Italy, the artist became a central figure in the international community known as the École de Paris, synthesizing influences from African sculpture, Oceanic art, and the linear structure of early Italian Renaissance painting.

Modigliani’s characteristic style is evident in the striking, yet simplified, depiction of the subject. The figure features the artist's signature elongated neck and head, coupled with simplified facial features such as almond-shaped eyes and a precise, almost sculptural structure. Rather than emphasizing psychological depth or naturalistic representation, Modigliani prioritized formal elegance and linear harmony in his portraiture. The economical use of color and the rapid application of oil paint, common when working on cardboard, underscore the spontaneity and assuredness of his draughtsmanship.

This important example of Modigliani's contribution to early Modernism is classified as a painting and is held within the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a seminal figure whose output defined the period, the study of Modigliani’s oeuvre remains vital. Given the age of the artist's most significant works, high-quality prints and reproductions of his celebrated portraits are increasingly available as many pieces move into the public domain, ensuring wider appreciation of his innovative contributions to twentieth-century art.