Portrait of Leopold Zborowski 1917

Amedeo Modigliani painted this portrait of Leopold Zborowski, but we don’t know exactly when. Modigliani wasn’t one for detail; he captures more of a feeling than an exact likeness. See how the ochre and sienna tones of Zborowski’s face seem to glow against the dark background? Modigliani built up these colors in layers, letting each one peek through, like a memory half-recalled. The paint is thin, almost translucent in places, which adds to this dreamy quality. And those eyes, barely open, gazing inward... it’s as though Modigliani is showing us the sitter's soul. Now, check out that tie. It's a flurry of white and blue, a little abstract, and totally catches the light. Modigliani manages to render form while also reminding you that this is just paint on a canvas. I’m reminded of other artists, like Gustav Klimt, who also used color and pattern to create psychological portraits. With this painting, Modigliani is definitely having a conversation with his peers.