Amedeo Modigliani's Cariatide (Caryatid) refers to his iconic series of drawings, paintings, and sculptures depicting stylised, elongated female figures, inspired by ancient Greek caryatids and African/Oceanic tribal art, characterizsd by their mask-like faces and architectural forms, representing a key focus of his artistic exploration in the early 1910s. He produced numerous works featuring these supportive, column-like women, bridging painting and sculpture, with notable examples in museum collections like MoMA and Christie's.
Key Aspects of Modigliani's Caryatids:
Inspiration: Traditional caryatids (sculpted female figures supporting structures) combined with the simplified, powerful forms of African masks and Oceanic art.
Style: Highly stylized, elongated bodies, serene yet mask-like faces, with a focus on rhythm and form.
Mediums: Created in various forms, including detailed drawings (pencil, crayon, ink on paper), limestone sculptures, and bronze casts.
Significance: Represented a pivotal moment in his career (circa 1913-1914) where he explored both two-dimensional drawing and three-dimensional sculpture, influenced by his friend Constantin Brâncuși.