The artwork titled “Nude Caryatid,” created by Amedeo Modigliani in 1913 in Paris, France, is a remarkable piece of Expressionist art. Rendered in chalk, gouache, and paper, this work measures 60 by 45.5 centimeters and belongs to the genre of nude painting (nu). The piece is part of the esteemed collection at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
The artwork presents a stylized female form, characteristic of Modigliani’s distinctive approach to the human figure. The caryatid is depicted in a posture that conveys both strength and grace, with an exaggerated and somewhat abstract anatomy that underscores the emotional intensity typical of Expressionism. The use of chalk and gouache lends a textured, layered quality to the piece, highlighting the artist’s skill in blending mediums to dramatic effect. The figure is rendered in earthy tones, with a strong use of line and form that captures the viewer’s attention and draws them into the contemplative depth of the subject.
