Louise 1917

Modigliani painted Louise in oil, sometime in the early 20th century, and what strikes me first is how he embraces a limited palette. He lets the warm yellows and reds of Louise's face contrast with the cool blues of the background. It's a daring move! The paint isn't thick or showy; it’s laid down in thin layers, almost like watercolor. Look at how Modigliani renders her eyes – pools of blue, seemingly without pupils. They give Louise an otherworldly quality, don't they? And that single, dark stroke under her chin? A bold declaration. I'm reminded of the way Manet used blacks, a stark counterpoint to the softer tones. Modigliani's work, like Manet's, is a testament to the fact that art is always in conversation with itself, echoing and responding across generations.