The artwork, entitled “Big Red Buste (Leopold II)” was created by the artist Amedeo Modigliani in 1913, in Paris, France. Executed using oil on canvas, this expressive portrait is a representative piece of the Expressionism art movement.
In the artwork, a bright and bold red figure with an elongated face and torso is prominently displayed against a subdued, neutral background. The figure’s features, outlined in a striking blue, include simplified, abstract representations of eyes, nose, and mouth. The minimalistic depiction emphasizes the emotional and expressive content rather than the realistic representation. The stark contrast between the vibrant red of the figure and its blue outlines against the muted background amplifies the dramatic impact, characteristic of the Expressionist genre. The composition and color palette harmonize to evoke a sense of intensity and introspection.
