16880 Amedeo Modigliani (1884-1920)

The composition presents a fragmented portrait, dominated by a palette of ochre, red-brown, and muted greens. The subjects face is rendered in broad, angular planes, eschewing traditional modeling for a more flattened, almost mask-like effect. A strong emphasis on geometric forms defines the features; the eyes are almond-shaped and deeply set within shadowed sockets, while the nose appears as a sharp triangle. The mouth is reduced to a thin line, conveying an impression of stoicism or perhaps melancholy.
The artist employed a vigorous application of paint, with visible brushstrokes contributing to the overall sense of dynamism and immediacy. These marks are not merely descriptive; they actively shape the form, creating a surface that vibrates with energy. The hair is depicted as a chaotic mass of dark strokes, further disrupting any sense of conventional representation.
Superimposed upon the portrait, in what appears to be a hurried script, are handwritten words – Pedro and “Sauvoir.” Their placement seems almost arbitrary, interrupting the visual field and adding another layer of complexity to the work. The text’s presence suggests an intimate connection between the subject and the artist, potentially hinting at a personal narrative or a fleeting moment captured in time.
The background is divided into distinct zones of color – a dark, undefined area on one side contrasts with a lighter, greenish-yellow section on the other. This division reinforces the sense of fragmentation and contributes to the portrait’s unsettling quality. The overall effect is not one of straightforward representation but rather an exploration of form, emotion, and the interplay between image and text. It suggests a deliberate attempt to deconstruct traditional notions of portraiture, prioritizing expressive power over faithful likeness.