Amedeo Clemente Modigliani was one of the most unique and innovative Italian artists, who always rendered an idiosyncratic and distinctive painting style. Controversies however, surrounded his destitute life and was therefore, never famous among his contemporaries. Modigliani adopted the ‘Expressionist’ style of painting, where the depiction of emotions was primary. The painter blended this emotional high with twisted reality for a distinct expression in his portraits, including his masterpiece “Madame Pompadour – Portrait of Beatrice Hastings.”
Modigliani was a very handsome and attractive man, well capable of luring women easily. In 1914, he met a very eccentric English poet, Beatrice Hastings, who later became his mistress. During this time, Modigliani lived a very Bohemian lifestyle, heavily addicted to drugs & alcohol. Beatrice Hastings even quoted, “A complex character. A swine and a pearl. Met him in 1914 at a crémerie. I sat opposite him. Hashish and brandy. Not at all impressed. Didn’t know who he was. He looked ugly, ferocious and greedy. Met him again at the Café Rotonde. He was shaved and charming. Raised his cap with a pretty gesture, blushed and asked me to come and see his work. And I went. He always had a book in his pocket. Lau Tremont’s Maldoror. The first oil painting was of Kisling. He had no respect for anyone except Picasso and Max Jacob. Detested Cocteau. Never completed anything good under the influence of hashish.”
Beatrice Hastings was a very pompous and haughty woman, who was an unfortunate victim of Amedeo’s drunken rage. She was the model for many of his paintings, which eventually resulted in a famous fourteen portraits series, in 1915, entitled “Madame Pompadour – Portrait of Beatrice Hastings,” of which only three were exhibited. Beatrice Hastings was a very proud writer, literary critic, and a vocal feminist. Her nature at times was a complete contrast to that of Modigliani’s. Due to her haughtiness, he nicknamed her Madame or madam Pompadour and created her portraits. The portraits were famous for their ability to portray the existing close relationship between Modigliani and Beatrice. Modigliani always gave key attention to the facial features of the subjects. Since he also adopted the style of ‘Cubism,’ his portraits were sharp and projected in manner.
Due to Beatrice’s nature, Amedeo depicted her as an aristocratic ‘English Madame.’ The portrait, through its title subtlety, depicted the relationship between King Louis V & his mistress, which ironically manifested his relationship with Beatrice Hastings. Amedeo and Hastings’ relationship lasted for two years, which died an unfortunate death, due to their contrasting attitudes.
In the “Madame Pompadour – Portrait of Beatrice Hastings,” Modigliani rendered ‘Cubism’ by simultaneously depicting the sides of the face through different viewpoints, as well as having a collage effect with the writings on stonewall. The ‘Expressionist’ style was evident through the distortion of the face and the depiction of Modigliani’s personal interpretation of Beatrice Hastings. The misspelled graffiti written on the painting as well as its backdrop of a stonewall reflect the deviation from reality.
Modigliani died on January 24, 1920, at the young age of 35, due to tuberculosis and overdose of drugs and alcohol. His artistic innovations and idiosyncrasies will always be fondly remembered among art lovers. His “Madame Pompadour – Portrait of Beatrice Hastings” will stand as a testament of his talent and an innovation in art.