Portrait of a Young Woman

"Portrait of a Young Woman" by Amedeo Modigliani Italian, 1884-1920, is a compelling example of the artist's distinctive approach to portraiture and draftsmanship. Executed between 1904 and 1920, this work utilizes brush and black ink combined with black watercolor, applied delicately yet decisively onto tan wove paper. The paper was subsequently laid down onto tan wove card, a common mounting practice that speaks to the perceived value of the original drawing.

Although Modigliani's roots lay firmly in Italy, his mature style was forged during his years in Paris, where he synthesized influences from Cubism, African sculpture, and Symbolism. This drawing reflects the artist's mature aesthetic: the subject’s face is rendered with an elegant elongation and a simplified, almost mask-like form, prioritizing geometric clarity over naturalistic detail. Modigliani masterfully uses the restricted palette of black ink and watercolor to define volume and shadow, allowing the warm hue of the tan wove paper to function as a middle tone. This economy of means highlights the expressive power of line, which remained central to his artistic practice throughout his career.

As a significant example of his fundamental drawing practice, this piece provides essential insight into Modigliani’s process before translating his figures to oil. The work is held within the esteemed permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Its historical importance and classification as an early 20th-century European drawing mean that high-quality prints and reference materials are widely accessible, often through public domain initiatives, preserving the legacy of this influential Italian modern master.