Amedeo Modigliani
Italy (1884—1920)
Introduced to arts and literature since his childhood, Modigliani studied painting and drawing in Florence, Venice and later in Paris. Not physically strong enough for sculpture, he focussed on painting. He was soon part of the Bateau Lavoir circle. In 1907 he met Paul Alexander, who became his friend and patron. In this period he moved to a more expressionist style. After meeting Brâncuși, he took up sculpture and introduced some principles, such as defined lines with stylised figures into his painting. From 1917 he became close to Leopold Zborowski who organised his solo exhibition. The same year Modigliani met Jeanne Hébuterne, from whom he had a daughter: this had a positive influence on his work but his life long health issues gave way in 1920.
