Modigliani, Amedeo (1884-1920)
Jeune fille au corsage à pois (Girl with a Polka-Dot Blouse)
1919
Oil on canvas, 115.6 x 73 cm
Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia
A thin paint surface and clean, decisive lines characterize this portrait of a young woman. The close-cropped hair and stylish blouse suggest that this model was a fashionable woman in Modigliani‘s social circle. But the shape of her face is reminiscent of Ivory Coast masks, a major influence on many artists in early 20th century. Modigliani occasionally sold pictures through the dealer Paul Guillaume, who also dealt in African sculpture and who helped Dr. Barnes collect African art. (BF)