Shop art print and framed art La femme aux yeux bleus by Amedeo Modigliani

Amedeo Modigliani's Woman with Blue Eyes: an emblematic work

At the heart of Amedeo Modigliani's work, Woman with Blue Eyes is an intriguing and mysterious painting that never ceases to fascinate. Created in 1910, it testifies to the Italian artist's exceptional talent and continues to inspire art lovers the world over. Through its unique visual characteristics and its key role in the artist's career, this work remains an essential reference.

The story of Modigliani's Woman with Blue Eyes

The Woman with Blue Eyes is a painting by Amedeo Modigliani, an Italian-born painter and sculptor. Born in 1884 in Livorno, Italy, Modigliani was quickly introduced to painting by his maternal uncle. He then studied at the Florence School of Fine Arts before moving to Paris in 1906.

As soon as he arrived in the French capital, Modigliani befriended several renowned artists such as Picasso and Brancusi. His assiduous frequentation of literary cafés and artists' studios helped refine his pictorial style. The meeting of these different influences gave birth to the famous Woman with Blue Eyes.

A singular and poetic oeuvre

Within this canvas, Modigliani invites us to contemplate a young woman in bust form whose expression is imbued with infinite gentleness. Her almond-shaped blue eyes stand out in a pure pigment that contrasts with the chromatic quality of the portrait. The originality of the painting lies in the stylisation of the forms: an elongated, oval-shaped face merges with the graceful neck, while the hair is delicately knotted at the nape of the neck.

Visual description of Woman with Blue Eyes

The painting measures 65 cm high by 51 cm wide and is done in oil on board. The composition is based around the woman's bust, which occupies the centre of the canvas. The rendering of the facial features is remarkably precise and expressive, contrasting with the refined, simplified forms of the rest of the body.

A distinctive colour palette

Colour plays an essential role in this work. The choice of soft, subtle hues lends the portrait a refined, poetic atmosphere. The young woman's fair skin is highlighted by the pastel tones of the background. Touches of blue, green and grey delicately emphasise the contours of the face and hands, highlighting her melancholic, introspective expression.

The role of the Blue-Eyed Woman in the artist's career

The Woman with Blue Eyes marks a decisive turning point in Amedeo Modigliani's career. This work testifies to his exceptional mastery of portraiture and his exploration of emotions through stylised forms, which were to become one of the hallmarks of his later production.

Testimony to his unique style

The painting is distinguished by the poetic refinement that emanates from it, and also demonstrates the artist's growing interest in depicting the human face. The curvaceous features, almond-shaped eyes and knotted hair are all recurring elements in the portraits Modigliani painted throughout his career. They reflect his tireless quest for the very essence of the human being.

This artwork is a painting from the modern period. It belongs to the post-impressionism style.

« La femme aux yeux bleus » is kept at Musee National d'Art Moderne, Centre Pompidou, Paris, France.