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Modigliani: the life and work of the artist;
English, Italian (translation)
- GenresArt
38 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1969
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July 18, 2009
Nello Ponente has created a neat little introduction to the art of Amedeo Modigliani. This is a slender volume, beginning with a brief biographical sketch of the artist, followed by a description of his art and its evolution, and then a segment on "Modigliani and the Critics." Finally, examples of his art, with 80 full color portrayals of works of his. Let's move through this sequence in turn. . . .
Apparently, he was denied great recognition in his own lifetime. As the author notes (Page 3), "[His:] life was short but intense, not only in its emotions, but also in its artistic exchanges and contacts."
Modigliani was born in 1884. By 1895, he was suffering a series of afflictions, portending the health struggles that characterized his life. His first paintings were completed in 1900-1901. He journeyed to Italy after a recurrence of health problems. After his health improved somewhat, he began studying with artists there. He returned to France--Paris--in 1906. He wed various traditions--impressionism, African art, cubism, and so on--to create his own artistic vision. He also did sculpture, enriching his art in the process. His life was often a wreck, his health a problem. He died too young in 1920.
The discussion of his work emphasizes the influence of artists such as Cezanne and the cubists. Ponente says (Page 15): "The version of reality presented by Modigliani increasingly becomes an expression of his tormented world, rather than a supreme ideal of beauty."
And then there are the plates, representing his art. 80 of these are included in this volume, with works from 1905 to 1919. It is fascinating to trace the development of his work. One can see changes developing over his short career.
All in all, a good introduction for amateurs like me. I'm not so sure I want a lengthy view of Modigliani's corpus; this work, though, gives me what seems to be a decent introduction.
Apparently, he was denied great recognition in his own lifetime. As the author notes (Page 3), "[His:] life was short but intense, not only in its emotions, but also in its artistic exchanges and contacts."
Modigliani was born in 1884. By 1895, he was suffering a series of afflictions, portending the health struggles that characterized his life. His first paintings were completed in 1900-1901. He journeyed to Italy after a recurrence of health problems. After his health improved somewhat, he began studying with artists there. He returned to France--Paris--in 1906. He wed various traditions--impressionism, African art, cubism, and so on--to create his own artistic vision. He also did sculpture, enriching his art in the process. His life was often a wreck, his health a problem. He died too young in 1920.
The discussion of his work emphasizes the influence of artists such as Cezanne and the cubists. Ponente says (Page 15): "The version of reality presented by Modigliani increasingly becomes an expression of his tormented world, rather than a supreme ideal of beauty."
And then there are the plates, representing his art. 80 of these are included in this volume, with works from 1905 to 1919. It is fascinating to trace the development of his work. One can see changes developing over his short career.
All in all, a good introduction for amateurs like me. I'm not so sure I want a lengthy view of Modigliani's corpus; this work, though, gives me what seems to be a decent introduction.
Displaying 1 of 1 review