The artwork “Elvira with a white collar” was created by Amedeo Modigliani in 1918, during his time in Paris, France. It is an oil painting on canvas that measures 92 x 65 cm. Representative of the Expressionist movement, this portrait belongs to a private collection and showcases Modigliani’s distinct style of elongated faces and graceful figures.
In the painting, the subject, Elvira, features Modigliani’s characteristic stylization with a long neck, a simplified and elongated face, and almond-shaped eyes, which suggest an introspective gaze. She has dark hair parted in the middle and pulled back. Her attire consists of a dark dress with a prominent white lace collar that stands out against the somber tones of her clothing. Elvira’s hands are folded in her lap, further conveying a sense of demureness or contemplation. The background is composed of muted reds and earthy tones, which adds warmth to the composition while focusing attention on the central figure. The brushwork appears fluid, with a contrast between the carefully rendered face and hands, and the more abstracted elements of her clothing and the background. Modigliani’s signature can be seen on the upper right, completing this sensitive portrait.
