Art Lovers discussion

My favorite artist is Modigliani. Upon learning of him, I was captivated with his style of portraiture. Personalities of the sitters pervade throughout. His nudes are incredibly warm and stunning. Modigliani's life story is one of tragedy. I chose to write a paper on him in Art History class many years ago. The paper was so fun to write that it heightened my appreciation for him.

From your review, I would be interested in learning more about Modigliani. I am not too familiar with his work. I would especially enjoy reading his biography. I am always interested in people's personal lives and how that effects their work.

He died at 32, I believe. I am not sure if he had any sort of clinical disturbances, but I know he was a heavy drinker and seemed to be depressive.

Modigliani suffered from tuberculosis most of his life. While in Paris the situation became much worse because of alcohol and drugs. His relationships were also difficult (particularly with women). I would say that he was toxic to those around him in many ways. Still, his art is absolutely beautiful, sensual, and powerful. His desire to be called "Modi" is an indication of his personal sense of tragedy.

Like Picasso and Brancusi, Modigliani was on a quest for the "primitive" style so common in African art (I often think he mastered it in ways others were unable to). Midigliani is a tragic figure I always enjoy teaching about. I think my students like him but they also do not want to be like him. He could have been, as I see it, the greatest artist of the "School of Paris." Sadly, he was determined to live much in a short period.

I highly recommend the Meyers bio about Modigliani:



A few years ago I visited an exhibition of Modigliani at the Jewish Museum. The book for the exhibition, "Modigliani: Beyond the Myth," remains a favorite.