Portrait of Doctor Devaraigne 1917

Amedeo Modigliani painted this portrait of Doctor Devaraigne, in 1917, using oil on canvas. Modigliani embraced traditional art materials, yet his approach to painting was far from conventional. The thick application of paint creates a tactile quality, emphasizing the materiality of the work. Notice how the textured brushstrokes model Devaraigne's face and beard, while the expressive use of color gives a sense of volume and depth. Modigliani's technique required a deep understanding of the properties of oil paint, from layering to blending. This was a deliberate, time-intensive process. What is striking about this portrait is the economy of means that Modigliani used to capture the likeness of the sitter. The artist's engagement with these elements of the making process have imbued this work with a social and cultural significance beyond mere representation. By focusing on the material and the making, we can see how Modigliani challenges the traditional boundaries between fine art and craft.