The portrait depicts the duality in the relations of Modigliani and
Picasso who shared both an artistic rivalry and a mutual admiration. The uneven two-toned face of the subject suggests an inner conflict within the artist, as well as between artist and subject. Modigliani and Picasso first met in Paris in 1906 when Modigliani lived in
Le Bateau-Lavoir artistic community where Picasso had a studio and worked on such works as
Les Demoselles d’Avignon. Even though Picasso is said to admire Modigliani's art, needing a canvas he once painted over a Modigliani's work he had acquired. ==Provenance==