Nov 24, 2016 - impression of lightness and ease. However, Modigliani died from health problems aggravated by susbstance
November 24, 2016
AMEDEO MODIGLIANI
Brâncuși, Brancusi Head (c.1911-12)
After the outbreak of World War I, ill health and a shortage of materials prevented Modigliani from carrying on his sculpture. The rest of his life was devoted to painting. Apart from a brief divisionist period in 1914, Modigliani's later pictures, which often depict the female nude, are dominated by sinuous lines and flat, graceful bodies. This style reflects his admiration of the panels by Simone Martini and Duccio that he had seen in Tuscany in 1901, although the subject matter could hardly be more different. Renaissance mythologies and contemporary pornography are other plausible sources of inspiration. While the reclining, and sometimes seated, nude provided Modigliani's most popular theme, he also produced memorable portraits, including some of his lover, Jeanne Hébuterne. These pictures, with delicate hues and elegant gestures give an impression of lightness and ease. However, Modigliani died from health problems aggravated by susbstance abuse and Jeanne committed suicide a day after his death.
