Amadeo Modigliani
Not being a professional portraitist, Amadeo Modigliani left a significant trace in the XX century art and is now considered one of the most influential artists of the time.
Amadeo Modigliani was born in a Jewish family in 1884 in Livorno, Italy. Due to several medical conditions in childhood, Amadeo did not receive a conventional education. However, in the future, health issues will not be an obstacle for him in pursuing art studies in Florence and Venice.
In 1906, Amadeo left to Paris, where he became interested in the Post-Impressionist movement. In Paris, he became friends with influential figures such as poets André Salmon and Max Jacob and the artist Pablo Picasso.
In 1909, following the advice of Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi, Amadeo started studying African sculpture and after exhibited 8 pieces at Salon d’Automne. To prepare himself for working with stone, Amadeo intensified his painting practices, experimenting more with volumes and contours.
'Woman's Head' Amadeo Modigliani, 1912
In 1915, Amadeo came back to painting. His sculptural experience definitely influenced his drawings. His painting included the three-dimensional technique, empathizing long necks, noses, and other facial features of the people portrayed.
In May 1919, all the medical issues that the artist was suffering from led to tubercular meningitis. 10 days after being infected, the artists died. His trace in modern art will be recognized by society only after his death.