The artwork you’re referring to is “Seated Algerian Almaiisa,” created by Amedeo Modigliani in 1916 in Paris, France. It is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 92 by 54 centimeters. This portrait falls within the Expressionism movement and currently resides in a private collection.
Depicted in the painting is a female figure seated against a nondescript, darkly colored background. The subject is dressed in a black garment with a white collar, and her hands are adorned with bracelets, possibly suggesting a cultural or personal significance. Modigliani’s style is characterized by the elongation of the figure, particularly evident in the portrayal of the woman’s hands and face. Her facial features are simplified yet expressively captured; her eyes are dark and almond-shaped, her lips a striking pigment of red, and her hair is black, emphasizing her elegance and poise. The name “ALMAIISA” is inscribed at the top right corner of the painting, possibly serving as the name of the individual or a word meaning something else related to the context of the painting.
Modigliani’s approach to portraiture often involved a deep exploration of his sitter’s personalities, which he conveyed through his distinct stylization and use of color. While the painting provides an immediate sense of the subject’s identity and mood, there remains an air of mystery, inviting viewers to ponder the life and story behind the aloof expression of the woman in the portrait.
