Madame Amedee - Woman with Cigarette by Amedeo Modigliani

This remarkable figurative work fits powerfully into the movement of Parisian Expressionism, reflecting the stylistic maturity of a revolutionary artistic era. At the heart of this masterful composition entitled “Madame Amedee - Woman with Cigarette”, the painter of Italian origin Amedeo Modigliani delivers a psychological portrait striking in truth and intensity. The painting breaks free from the academic conventions of the time to focus on the internal architecture of the figure and the intimate expression of the subject.

A mature woman is depicted sitting on a wooden chair whose backrest is outlined on the left. She stands facing the viewer, adopting a confident posture with her left fist resting firmly on her hip. Her dark hair, gathered in a bun, surrounds a full face with small, drooping eyes that fix melancholically into space. Long golden earrings bring a touch of brightness to each side of her neck. She wears a loose black V-neck dress that structures her massive silhouette. In her right hand resting on her knees, she delicately holds a thin white cigarette. The warm background combines a textured yellow ochre wall with deep brick-red woodwork.

The greatness of the artist shines through in his artisanal ability to work light impastos and color contrasts. The use of oil paint makes it possible to convey the velvety texture of the dress and the matteness of the flesh tones. This treatment, both robust and sensitive, bears witness to an incomparable technical mastery.