The artwork “Jeanne Hebuterne with White Collar” was created by the renowned artist Amedeo Modigliani in 1919. This oil on canvas painting is a quintessential example of the Expressionist movement, wherein the artist conveys emotional experience rather than physical reality. The portrait, measuring 139.7 x 116.8 cm, is part of a private collection and was crafted in Paris, France. Characterized by its expressive nature, the artwork represents the genre of portraiture.
The painting captures the somber essence of Jeanne Hebuterne, Modigliani’s frequent subject and companion, with a distinctive elongation of the face and neck which is typical of the artist’s style. Her visage is rendered with a palette of muted earth tones, punctuated by the subtle contrast of the white collar which stands out against the warmer background hues. Hebuterne’s gaze is averted, casting a shadow of introspection or possibly melancholy. The simplicity and flatness of the forms are indicative of Modigliani’s stylization, which is further emphasized by the delicate line work depicting her facial features. The lack of detailed background focuses the viewer’s attention on the subject’s haunting, stylized expression, encapsulating the emotive power of the Expressionist approach to art.
