16 7/8 x 10 3/8 ins
This is one of several heads Modigliani drew, between 1910-13, relating to the sculptures he was making at this time. These drawings offer a powerful insight into Modigliani’s working process and the way he would carve out, in line on paper, his sculptural intent, relentlessly pursuing this vision he had of an ideal beauty.
Here Modigliani has distilled everything down to its essential form. Eyes, nose and mouth defined by simple, bold, confident lines. This head with its oval shape, long angular nose and wide-set almond eyes echo features of African, Khmer and Cycladic sculpture which Modigliani would have been familiar with. But as with so many things Modigliani was influenced by, they become assimilated into his own unique vocabulary.
This is one of several heads Modigliani drew, between 1910-13, relating to the sculptures he was making at this time. These drawings offer a powerful insight into Modigliani’s working process and the way he would carve out, in line on paper, his sculptural intent, relentlessly pursuing this vision he had of an ideal beauty.
Here Modigliani has distilled everything down to its essential form. Eyes, nose and mouth defined by simple, bold, confident lines. This head with its oval shape, long angular nose and wide-set almond eyes echo features of African, Khmer and Cycladic sculpture which Modigliani would have been familiar with. But as with so many things Modigliani was influenced by, they become assimilated into his own unique vocabulary.
Provenance
Dr Paul Alexandre, Paris [acquired from the artist]Thence by descent to the present owner