The painting “Germaine Survage with Earrings” was created by the artist Amedeo Modigliani in 1918, during his time in Paris, France. It is an oil on canvas work measuring 54 x 43 cm, associated with the Expressionism art movement. This portrait is part of the collection at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy in Nancy, France.
Looking at the painting, we see a female figure depicted from the chest up with stylized features, which is characteristic of Modigliani’s distinctive style. The subject, Germaine Survage, is presented with a pale complexion and elongated neck, with her head tilted slightly to one side. Her face is rendered with a mask-like simplicity, yet it retains a sense of elegance and composure. Typical of Modigliani’s portraits, the eyes are almond-shaped and somewhat vacant, not making direct eye contact with the viewer. The woman’s hair is neatly styled back, and as the title suggests, she is adorned with earrings. The use of color is quite muted with earthy tones, except for the striking red of her lips. The background is abstract and does not provide a specific setting, focusing the viewer’s attention on the figure herself. The brushwork appears fluid, contributing to the overall sense of serenity and gracefulness within the composition.
