Teresa 1915

Modigliani made this drawing of Teresa with ink on paper, and it's now at the Denver Art Museum. It's so interesting how Modigliani uses just a few simple marks to suggest a whole person. I love the way he uses the ink, kind of scratchy and loose, not trying to be too precious or perfect. There's a realness to it. Look at the eyes: just dark smudges, but they convey so much. The ink is applied thinly in some parts, almost like a wash, and then built up in others to create darker, more solid areas. It’s a real dance between control and letting go. The way he’s captured her hair is also brilliant, those scribbled, energetic marks give it volume and movement. It's all about the feeling, the mood, and the process of making. In a way, it reminds me of some of Picasso's drawings, that same kind of freedom and confidence. It’s about capturing the essence of a person, rather than a perfect likeness.