Modigliani Jeanne Hbuterne Seated in Profile, 1918, Barnes f Amedeo Modigliani (1884-1920)

The composition presents a seated figure viewed in profile. The subject is positioned against a muted backdrop, seemingly a wall with subtle textural variations achieved through brushwork. A vertical element, likely a structural component or another piece of furniture, occupies the right side of the frame and intersects with the figure’s posture.
Here we see a woman rendered with elongated features characteristic of a particular artistic style. Her neck is notably extended, contributing to an overall sense of fragility and quiet introspection. The head is crowned by a striking, conical form – a hat or headdress – rendered in a vibrant red that provides a stark contrast against the subdued palette of her attire and the background.
The woman’s gaze is directed towards the distance, conveying a feeling of detachment or perhaps melancholy. Her hands are clasped gently in her lap, further reinforcing this sense of stillness and inward focus. The clothing appears simple – a long-sleeved garment in a pale blue-grey hue – with minimal detailing.
The artist employed a limited color range, primarily relying on muted tones of grey, beige, and brown for the background and the woman’s attire. This restricted palette directs attention to the red headwear, which acts as a focal point and introduces an element of visual drama. The brushstrokes are visible throughout, contributing to a sense of immediacy and spontaneity in the execution.
Subtly, theres a feeling of confinement or enclosure suggested by the close proximity of the figure to the wall and the vertical structure on the right. This could be interpreted as symbolic of emotional isolation or a restricted existence. The elongated form and the woman’s distant gaze might also suggest a sense of alienation or introspection, hinting at an underlying psychological complexity. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity tinged with sadness, evoking a mood of contemplative solitude.