The Boy

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Utilizing the expressive potential of the human face and figure in a highly individual way, Modigliani painted the colorful personalities of Parisian art circles, using elongated forms and shallow interior spaces.

In 1918 the artist's doctor arranged for him to move to southern France to improve his failing health. There Modigliani painted portraits of unnamed young workers. This boy, with his solemn, introspective expression, is one of the finest of this era. The mask-like face and blank eyes are a translation of forms found in African and Archaic Greek sculpture. [source]