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Chaim Soutine by Modigliani, Amedeo

Modigliani, Amedeo · 1918

This striking portrait, "Chaïm Soutine" by Amedeo Modigliani, depicts his close friend and fellow artist in 1918. Modigliani often chose his friends as subjects, reflecting a deep interest in the personalities within his Parisian artistic circle. The painting is part of the extensive collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.

Observe Soutine's direct gaze and the subtle, almost vulnerable expression in his eyes. His hands, clasped in his lap, suggest a quiet composure, a fellow artist sitting for a friend rather than a formal patron. Modigliani’s signature elongation of the neck and face, a stylistic choice echoing his admiration for African and Cycladic sculpture, transforms the portrait into something approaching an icon.

Modigliani, an Italian painter and sculptor, moved to Paris in 1906, where he became known for his distinctive portraits and nudes. Despite little success during his lifetime, his work gained immense popularity after his death at the age of 35 from tubercular meningitis. This portrait is a testament to the profound artistic and personal connections he forged.

What do you notice first when you look at Soutine's face?

Details

Modigliani painted many friends, but Soutine was special.
Modigliani painted many friends, but Soutine was special.
He captures Soutine's direct, almost vulnerable gaze.
He captures Soutine's direct, almost vulnerable gaze.
Notice the hands, clasped in quiet composure.
Notice the hands, clasped in quiet composure.
The painter's signature elongation is also a mark of respect.
The painter's signature elongation is also a mark of respect.
The background shifts between blue, green-gray and off-white in loose, visible brushstrokes; it is not neutral but actively shaped, creating a shallow spatial envelope that traps the sitter.
The background shifts between blue, green-gray and off-white in loose, visible brushstrokes; it is not neutral but actively shaped, creating a shallow spatial envelope that traps the sitter.
Transcript

This is fellow painter Chaim Soutine, sitting for his friend. Modigliani painted many friends, but Soutine was special. He captures Soutine's direct, almost vulnerable gaze. Notice the hands, clasped in quiet composure. The painter's signature elongation is also a mark of respect. Modigliani captures the essence of his friend, seen as an icon.