The artwork titled “Elena Picard” is an oil on canvas portrait created by Amedeo Modigliani in 1917 during his time in Paris, France. This piece is associated with the Expressionism movement and is aptly characterized as a portrait genre. Currently, the painting is held in a private collection. The vivid portrayal demonstrates Modigliani’s iconic style, which is readily identifiable by its elongated forms and graceful, stylized features.
In the painting, we see a woman seated against a rich, red background, which provides a warm contrast to the cooler tones of her attire. Her pose is dignified and somewhat reserved, with her hands gently resting on one another. She wears a white blouse adorned with a blue necklace which elegantly drapes around her neck, complementing the understated and simple elegance of the black skirt. Her face is rendered with Modigliani’s characteristic elongated neck and facial features, including the almond-shaped eyes that gaze outwards, imparting a sense of soulful introspection. The brushwork is fluid, demonstrating a harmonious blend of realism and abstraction that is signature to Modigliani’s approach to portraiture.