A lost masterpiece by Amedeo Modigliani was recently authenticated after being purchased from a flea market in Le Mans back in 2010. The Italian collector Paolo Guzzini, who acquired the portrait, discovered a stamp on the back of the canvas from a Montmartre workshop, sparking his curiosity about its origins. It wasn’t until fifteen years later, after extensive research and analysis, that the painting was officially attributed to Modigliani, known for his distinctive style characterized by elongated faces and bohemian allure.
The portrait, believed to date back to the early 1900s, depicts Mario Cavaglieri, a friend of Modigliani from Venice and one of the artist’s first portraits created upon moving to Paris in 1906. This period marked the emergence of Modigliani’s unique artistic style, making the discovery a significant addition to understanding his artistic development.
Authenticating the painting was a complex process that involved chemical analysis of the pigments, which matched those commonly used by artists in early 20th-century Paris. The Modigliani Foundation played a crucial role in confirming the sitter’s identity and the painting’s authenticity by cross-referencing archival documents.
The painting, now part of Guzzini’s private collection, offers a glimpse into Modigliani’s formative years in Paris, a city renowned for its bohemian creativity. Modigliani’s life was as dramatic as his art, characterized by passion, poverty, and tragedy, culminating in his untimely death at 36 and the subsequent suicide of his partner Jeanne Hébuterne.
This newfound artwork not only enriches Modigliani’s legacy but also highlights how exceptional art can surface unexpectedly. While its market value is yet to be determined, experts estimate it to be in the range of £800K – £1m, underscoring its historical and artistic significance.
Guzzini, the collector behind this discovery, is now focused on establishing a foundation in Recanati, the birthplace of Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi, to promote art and culture. The foundation aims to serve as a hub for scholars, collectors, and art enthusiasts, ensuring that stories like this continue to inspire future generations.
The announcement of this authentication was made in the sixth volume of the Modigliani Archive, unveiled in San Marino in December. For Guzzini, this moment represents the culmination of years of dedication and exemplifies the thrill of the hunt and the enduring impact of art in surprising and captivating audiences.
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