The artwork, titled “Standing Caryatid,” was created by Amedeo Modigliani in 1913 in Paris, France. Rendered in oil on canvas and measuring 81 x 45 cm, this piece is a part of the Expressionism art movement and falls under the genre of nude painting (nu).
In “Standing Caryatid,” Modigliani presents a simplified, almost sculptural representation of a nude female figure, depicted in an elongated and stylized form characteristic of his work. The woman stands with her arms raised, reminiscent of ancient architectural caryatids, which are sculpted female figures serving as architectural supports. The artwork’s earthy, warm tones and the linear quality of the figure lend it a distinctive expressiveness, achieving a balance between abstraction and human form. The background is dark and monochromatic, which emphasizes the stark and striking presence of the figure in the foreground. The painting captures an evocative and timeless exploration of the human form, imbued with both strength and elegance.
