Tête

(1913-1915)

At a young age Modigliani went to the marble-quarries in Carrara to learn the skills of sculpting. Later, he became fascinated by the traditional sculptures of Africa and Oceania. These influences are instantly recognisable in this head carved from stone. It is a sanctuary portrait, its shape determined by the perfect vertical lines. It has a meditative and sacred appearance and in this respect it has links with Modigliani's Hebrew background.