Portrait of Maude Abrantes, 1907

Amedeo Modigliani, Portrait of Maude Abrantes, 1907, Hecht Museum, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. Wikimedia Commons (public domain). The Portrait of Maude Abrantes is another earlier work by Modigliani. It already shows signs of the style that would define his career, such as the elongated neck and melancholic atmosphere of the piece. This raw, emotional tone is most evidently expressed through her dark, seemingly hollow eyes, as well as the textured brushstrokes. A background of muted blues and browns highlights the figure’s depth and isolation, adding to the melancholic mood. Unlike his later works, this painting and other earlier works show more detail in the face and clothing.