One of the last paintings created by Modigliani, the Portrait of Paulette Jourdain is an outstanding example of the artist’s work. Pauline "Paulette" Jourdain was the housemaid and later the lover of Modigliani’s dealer Léopold Zborowski.
She is painted on one of the largest canvases used by the artist in a completely frontal, stately manner that directly engages the viewer.
She is presented with great dignity and presence, commanding our attention and respect.
The rich colors, transcendent light and dynamic surface further transform this painting into a masterwork.
The painting demonstrates well how the artist assimilated a broad range of influences from African art to Old Master paintings to create his own unique, sophisticated vision.
