“Study of a Head” is a portrait executed by Amedeo Modigliani in 1913 in Paris, France. This work, created using oil on panel, is a notable example of the Expressionism art movement. Presently held in a private collection, the artwork is distinguished by its compelling simplicity and intriguing stylistic choices characteristic of Modigliani’s oeuvre.
The artwork features a distinctly elongated, stylized human head rendered in bold, earthy tones. The subject’s facial features are abstract and minimalist, with narrow, almond-shaped eyes, an elongated nose, and a restrained, slightly curved mouth. The background suggests an aura or halo effect, achieved through the use of dark, shadowy hues surrounding the head, contrasting sharply with the vivid, reddish-orange color of the face and neck. The linear and almost mask-like quality of the depiction evokes a sense of primal, almost tribal essence, which is both timeless and intensely modern.
