Born in northern Italy, Amedeo Modigliani moved to Paris in 1906 at the age of 21 to immerse himself in the art of the day. After settling in Montmartre, he quickly joined the neighborhood’s vibrant artistic community. Modigliani’s life was the classic bohemian one: passionate, poor, and short. Weakened by drugs and alcohol, he died of tuberculosis at age 35.
Even in his short life Modigliani found a distinct style. Today he is known for his portraits of figures with elongated features and almond-shaped eyes. His subjects—artists, friends, lovers, and models—are often painted with strong contours and in a rich juxtaposition of colors.
This gallery presents 11 paintings and one sculpture by Modigliani. It is rare to see so many of the artist’s paintings together. Thanks to collector Chester Dale’s 1963 bequest, our collection is among the largest public collections of the artist’s work.
