Many would agree that the jewels among Amedeo Modigliani’s phenomenal catalog of paintings are those portraying his muse and partner Jeanne Hébuterne. Akin to that of Romeo and Juliette, theirs was a star-crossed love affair that inspired some of the most valued and visited art in modern history, but ultimately ended in tragedy when, following the artist’s illness and death in 1920 at the age of 35, Hébuterne threw herself from a window, committing suicide at just 21 years old.
Fascination in this fleeting and passionate tale of creativity and loss was reignited recently following the revelation that a previously unknown portrait by Modigliani of his muse was authenticated in Venice. The painting was identified as a preliminary study for a prized portrait of Hébuterne that currently sits in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art.
The Unique Style and Story of Modigliani
Modigliani is known for his portrayal of stylized figures with elongated faces, almond-shaped eyes, and narrow mouths. Like his friend and contemporary Pablo Picasso, the artist was deeply inspired by African art—in particular African face masks. That interest led the Italian-born creative to explore and establish his striking style of portraiture, first in sculptural form and then through the hundreds of paintings for which he is now celebrated internationally.
In his last years, Modigliani shared his days not only with Hébuterne but also with a young art dealer and poet named Léopold Zborowski whose home became the artist’s workspace. Prone to alcoholism and illness, Modigliani did not achieve great acclaim or financial success in his lifetime, but following his death, Zborowski took ownership of many of the artist’s paintings and made a notable fortune selling the works before his own demise by a heart attack in 1932.
An Unknown Modigliani Comes to Light
These three intriguing characters each played a part in the origin story of the newly revealed Modigliani painting which not only portrays a serenely seated Hébuterne but also features a handwritten note on its reverse from Zborowski. The inscription dates the painting to 1919—the same year to which the portrait at the Met is attributed—and was signed by Zbrorowski as he gifted the piece to an acquaintance in March of 2020, just weeks after Modigliani’s passing.
The portrait is compact, measuring 27.5 x 19.2 cm, and painted on a wood panel that art historian Saverio Simi de Burgis suggested may be the lid from a box of cigars of which Modigliani was a known smoker. The work features confident brushstrokes made substantially in wet-to-wet application, reflecting the artist’s renowned speed of composition, and is signed at its top right corner.
Analysis to Authenticate a Modigliani
Graphological analysis was made of both the artist’s signature and the inscription on the back of the painting by Dr. Maurizia Vecchi and Dr. Milena Bellato, both serving the courts of Venice. The material composition was assessed for chronological adherence by experts in Italy and New York, including Dr. Thierry Radelet, Professor Paolo Zannini, and Professor Paolo Bensi.
Examination of the portrait by X-ray, infrared, and Raman microscopy revealed that the painting was applied on top of another, partially removed composition which was a common practice for Modigliani. This hasty drive to create yet again mirrors that of Picasso, who once—now shockingly—painted over a gifted work of Modigliani’s when in urgent want of a canvas.
Picasso did not share the tragic fate of Modigliani’s inner circle, living to the ripe age of 91 after achieving great success and recognition in his lifetime. However, Modigliani’s presence and creativity certainly made an impression, as Picasso is said to have whispered the artist’s name on his deathbed, some 50 years after the passing of his friend. Indeed, some artworks and their creators—once known—stay with us always.
