How are you?
Modigliani Institute Korea (MIK) is
currently introducing artworks of Amedeo Modigliani.
The 80th work to introduce for this
week is “Portrait of Elena Povolozky” in 1917.
This work is an expressionist style
portrait and an oil painting on canvas with the size of 64.7 x 48.5 cm, and
held in the Philips Collection, Washington, DC, USA.
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| The Phillips Collection |
This work is a portrait of Hélène (Elena) Joséphine Bernier Povolozky (1882-1979). Although it also contains the unique styles of Modigliani, such as downturned eyes and small lips, the feeling of Modigliani’s portrait style in this work is less than his other paintings. Also, Modigliani is famous for drawing an elongated neck and face, but in this work, it also feels like he's trying to eschew his style.
Overall, this work has a gloomy
atmosphere, and the green eyes of the model and the bold outlines drawn on the
model enhance such atmosphere.
The mood and color of this work
seems to have been influenced by the works of Paul Cézanne, whom Modigliani
preferred. The model, Elena, is wearing a bulky jacket and loose-fitting blouse
and bow tie. These outfits, combined with her short hair, give her a distinct
bohemian style, and the bohemian style was also the lifestyle of Modigliani himself.
Elena moved to Paris to pursue her career as an artist, where she met with artists of Montparnasse, including Modigliani, Picasso, and Soutine. In 1909, she met and married Jacques Povolozky, a Russian immigrant who had a bookstore and a gallery in Paris. They were active in the Parisian art scene and hosted exhibitions of many avant-garde artists.
The faithful and generous Elena offered food and money to
Modigliani and Soutine, and Modigliani gave her this portrait in return.
Perhaps because this work was a gift to Elena, Modigliani also inscribed her
name in addition to his own signature on this work.
Modigliani's other painting
depicting Elena is as follow.
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| Bust of Elena Povolozky (1917) |
Thank you.
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