Amedeo Modigliani (Italian, 1884-1920) The Servant Girl, ca. 1918 Oil on canvas, 60 x 24" Room of Contemporary Art Fund, 1939

This is a portrait of someone whose name we do not know. But we can still figure out some things about her from the painting. How old do you think she is? Try and think of words that describe the kind of person you think she was (for example, loud, quiet, fun, boring, happy, sad, etc.). Stand in the pose she takes in the portrait. How do you feel? Does that give you any other ideas about what type of person she was?

Amedeo Modigliani, the artist who painted this girl, tells us in the title that she is a servant. She would have worked in someone's house, and might have cooked, cleaned, done the laundry, or served meals. Her eyes are blank, taking away any kind of personality she might have had. She was expected to be quiet unless someone spoke to her first. Her head is slightly tilted, and she stands in a corner so she will not be in the way, with her hands folded in front of her as if she is waiting for an order to be given. What else about her might let you know that she's a servant?

With paintings like this, you can use your imagination! What time of day do you think it is? Is she just starting her daily chores or is she almost finished? Which room of the house is she in, and why do you think so? Is there anyone else in the room with her? Give her a name.