Modigliani - Statue - Seated Nude Caryatid (1913-1915)

About the seated nude caryatid

This seated nude caryatid statue representing a female is part of our exclusive collection of statues at the Musart Boutique, inspired by Modigliani's sketch ©Modigliani Foundation

A caryatid is a stone carving of a draped female figure, used as a pillar to support the entablature of a Greek or Greek-style building. Modigliani made more than seventy drawings of caryatids, as preparatory sketches for sculptures. Their highly stylized manner shows his absorption in a wide variety of arts then considered to be "˜primitive', including African and especially Cambodian carvings. The drawings were preparatory sketches for sculptures, and Modigliani is said to have conceived of a "˜temple to humanity' surrounded by hundreds of such caryatids. However, he appears to have made only one carving directly related to this seated nude caryatid.

In 1912, the art of sculpture seemed to have taken a heavy toll. Modigliani was completely exhausted by the heavy and dust work. He was forced to devote his attentions once again to painting and was inspired by Cham Soutine, his new neighbor. He was particularly impressed by the technique and definitive lines of this Lithuanian Impressionist. The seated nude caryatid original charcoal sketch displays the same sculptural characteristics.

Find out also the Big Red Bust featuring another type of caryatid.