Elena Povolozky
Modigliani scrawled 'ELENA' right into the blue background, a casual label for his subject, the Russian socialite Elena Povolozky. Unlike many of his famous blank-eyed portraits, Elena stares back with distinct, heavy-lidded blue eyes, giving her a surprisingly direct gaze. Her neck is stretched to impossible lengths—a Modigliani trademark inspired by African masks—while she sports a dapper blue bow tie and heavy coat. Painted in 1918, just two years before the artist's early death, it captures the cool, bohemian vibe of Paris in the early 20th century.
- Technique
- Oil on canvas
Location: Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia
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