Modigliani: The Pure Bohemian (Biography & Memoirs)

“Modigliani: The pure bohemian” is a biographical study of the Italian /Jewish artist Amedeo Modigliani 1884-1920. He was a painter and sculptor working during the periods of Fauvism, Modernism and Cubism and though influenced by these movements his work does not conveniently slip into any of these “isms”. If anything he would have been called a “primitive” and was probably influenced predominantly by African Art that was being explored by artists in Paris at that time. Modigliani was active in Paris during the first two decades of the 20thC; this was the Paris of Picasso, Diaghilev, Satie, Derain, Stravinsky, Cocteau, Epstein; the list is both fascinating and endless. During this period Paris was an extraordinary hot-house of creativity which this book clearly illustrates. The book is almost a study of early 20C Paris as much as it is a study of Modigliani. However Modigliani, though in the middle of all that was happening in Paris, was also, in some ways peripheral, to it. Yes he rubbed shoulders with the great, yet his own creativity was barely acknowledged, other than by his peers; he lived in poverty throughout most of sojourn there and died of TB tragically early at the age of 36. I suppose in acquiring this biography I was looking for answers as to why someone like Modigliani, who was so gifted, was also so self-destructive. Though I am not sure June Rose answers these questions, I am not sure she or anyone else would be able to. She paints a picture of a young boy born in the late nineteenth century into a genteel middle-class family, but a family that had fallen on hard times. Middle-class values in it were high, but money was low. Also, from a child, Modigliani was sickly, and throughout his childhood (and intermittently through adulthood) was nursed and nurtured by his mother. He grew up dependant and deeply attached to her but with a strong desire to escape her solicitude and supervision. In adult life he most definitely kicked back at any nurturing or maternalistic gestures from the many women that he became involved with. Rose also points out that members of his extended family had mental health issues, suggesting the possibility of an inherited instability. I think what Ms Rose does achieve is a picture of a man who was conflicted; gentile and handsome, a charmer, yet prone to bingeing and excess; and outbursts of aggression. Someone who was physically vulnerable yet was so fearless as to be reckless. The character she portrays is clearly an enigma of conflicts. However in his own lifetime a legend as an excessive firebrand grew around Modigliani, a legend much larger than reality it seems. This June Rose explores and often debunks. Ms Rose writes in a clear and accessible manner. Much and many of her sources are people who knew him and she uses their reminiscences (according to the dust jacket she actually interviewed members of his surviving family). She includes and quotes Modigliani’s writings from his own letters and has clearly researched the writings of others - Modigliani had a significant and tempestuous relationship with a journalist called Beatrice Hastings who frequently wrote about Modigliani; Rose often refers to and includes Hastings contemporary writings. The volume is well illustrated. It is often a shortcoming of art history biographies and monographs that works of art are discussed but no image included, causing the reader to cast the book aside and scurry around looking up the work under discussion. Not so here. Generally, with works mentioned, a visual reproduction is discreetly included. This is not a pictorial life a Modigliani but a biography that contains illustrations. Looking at Rose’s own biography she is a writer first and art historian second and perhaps this is her strength, (though she most definitely knows her art history). Other studies of hers have been of Marie Stopes, the history of Barnardos, and Elizabeth Fry. Only two of her other published works take art history as her subject. But certainly, on this showing I am more than predisposed to read more by her.

I enjoyed this book as it provided greater background to Modigliani and the times and environment he lived in. This helps to understand the man and what he went through for his art. Well worth reading to see behind the myth

Biography of an very interesting but sad life of a very talented painter

Sorry, could not get into this book.

Rose brings a thoughtful and balanced approach to the legend that is Modigliani. I enjoyed her book very much and would highly recommend it.

Superb

Excellent prices and fast shipping. description accurate so happy with purchase.

happy