Lot 395 , Amadeo Modigliani (Italian, 1884-1920), 'Femme Accoudee' Portrait of de Mme Anka Zberowska, pencil on paper laid down on board, 41 x 25cm, Please note this lot attracts an additional import tax of 5% on the hammer price

* Amadeo Modigliani (Italian, 1884-1920)
'Femme Accoudee' Portrait of de Mme Anka Zberowska
pencil on paper laid down on board
signed
41 x 25cm
Please note this lot attracts an additional import tax of 5% on the hammer price
£8,000-12,000
Provenance: Madame Hanka Zborowska (wife of the artist’s dealer); Galerie Zac, Paris; Ronauld Laaren, The Netherlands; Parke-Bernet, New York, 13th May 1964; Bloomsbury Auctions, London, 12th July 2009;

Literature: Oscaldo Patani, Amadeo Modigliani, Catalogue generale; Disegni 1906-1920, Milano 1991. no. 124. Illustrated. A photo-certificate issued by the Wildenstein Institute, Paris was issued for this work.

Private Collection Guernsey.

The primitive style of this Expressionist painter is perhaps best epitomised by the many portraits he painted of Hanka (Anka). These hang in the major art galleries, such as the New York Museum of Modern Art and the London Tate. In this sketch, as with Klimpt, it has been drawn with a very light pencil, so the positioning of the frame to avoid too much reflection, is critical for easy viewing.

Madame Zberwoska was the daughter of a Polish aristocrat who, with her husband, arrived in Paris on 1914 with both becoming very close to the artist, her husband Leo was his main agent whilst she remained his primary model, until his early death aged only 35. It is likely therefore that this drawing was executed only a few years before his death. Other artists who painted her include Utrillo, Derain and Fujita. Modigliani drawings are both uncommon and expensive, so given its excellent Provenance and Literary references this is a rare chance to acquire a work by an artist now eagerly sought.

Condition:
Paper evenly discoloured with further darker damp spots, looks very flat so thought to be laid down, signature lower right corner, housed in a later card mount and modern glazed gilt frame, various Exhibition labels verso.

Sold for £11,000