“The Servant,” an oil on canvas portrait created by Amedeo Modigliani in 1916 in Paris, France, represents the Expressionist art movement. Currently housed in Kunsthaus Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland, this artwork exemplifies Modigliani’s distinctive style and contributes to the genre of portraiture.
The artwork features a lone figure with an elongated face, characteristic of Modigliani’s approach to portraiture. The subject’s facial features are simplified yet expressive, with eyes that appear almost closed, exuding a sense of introspection or melancholy. The figure is depicted against a dark, textured background, which contrasts sharply with the warm tones of the subject’s face and neck. The interplay of dark and light hues, combined with the loose, flowing brushstrokes, creates a sense of depth and emotional intensity. Modigliani’s signature is visible in the upper left corner, marking the work as an authentic piece of his artistic oeuvre. This painting is a vivid representation of human emotion and personality, captured through the lens of Expressionism.