Monday, January 20, 2014

The Beggar Woman

“The Beggar Woman” is the other painting by Modigliani which was almost certainly painted in Livorno in the summer of 1909. Dedicated to the friend Jean Alexandre, it was shown at the 1910 Salon.
Beggar Woman, painting by Amedeo Modigliani
“The Beggar Woman”, 1909
Oil on canvas, 46x38cm
Private collection

“Modigliani may have painted one other picture while he was at home in Livorno. ‘The Beggar Woman’ - the companion to ‘The Beggar’ - before he left for Paris in the autumn of 1909, sadly and hopefully.”
(June Rose, Modigliani - The Pure Bohemian)

“Perhaps the most fully realized of his portraits at this period is ‘The Beggar Woman’, an example of the ‘cool purposefulness’ and economy of means that Modigliani was beginning to display. The lowered eyes, droop of the head, and particular set of the mouth speak volumes about the misery and pride of this anonymous daughter of the people.”
(Meryle Secrest, Modigliani: A Life)

See also: The Beggar of Livorno
External links: Amedeo Modigliani - Jeanne Modigliani - Salon (Wikipedia)
Search labels: Modigliani

12 comments:

Michelle said...

Quite a sad portrait.

Jack said...

The commentary from Ms. Secrest is right on. This is an effective image created from a very few lines. I am not crazy about most Modigliani works, but this one is exceptional.

Randy said...

I just love his work. First time I have seen this one.

VP said...

Jack - I share your feelings about most of Modigliani's paintings...

cieldequimper said...

As a rule, I like Modigliani and this one is striking.

Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan blogger said...

Somehow looks eerily familiar

Cezar and Léia said...

Brilliant! :)
Léia

Halcyon said...

This is beautiful. So moving.

Luis Gomez said...

Wonderful! Thanks VP.

Unknown said...

I like his work very much and this painting is wonderful!

Gunn said...

I have learned something new.
Thanks for sharing.
It is beautiful.

Traveling Hawk said...

A splendid portrait, which I haven't seen till now.