Lena Rivera
The works of Amedeo Modigliani, a Jewish-Italian modernist painter, are highly sought-after by art forgers due to their high value and the artist's intriguing life story. Modigliani's unique style, influenced by Egyptian and African art, as well as classical Italian art education, has resulted in a recognisable and popular aesthetic. The financial incentive is clear, with Modigliani's paintings frequently selling for over $100 million at auction. The task of identifying authentic Modiglianis is challenging due to the existence of several catalogues raisonnés, which are definitive collections of an artist's work. The most respected catalogue was compiled by Ambrogio Ceroni, and is considered the bible of Modigliani authentication. However, French art historian Marc Restellini is planning to release an updated catalogue, adding to the complexity of authentication. To combat the proliferation of forgeries, experts are developing new scientific analyses and research techniques, including molecular analysis and forensic analysis, to distinguish real Modiglianis from fakes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Catalogue raisonné | The definitive collection of all known and proven works by a single artist compiled in a single publication |
| Ceroni | The catalogue raisonné by Italian appraiser and critic Ambrogio Ceroni is considered the bible of Modigliani |
| Restellini | French art historian Marc Restellini is planning to release a seventh version of Ceroni's catalogue, adding 78 more works |
| Painting style | Modigliani's unique style is influenced by Egyptian and African art layered on top of classical Italian art education |
| Subject matter | Modigliani is known for portraits and nudes in a modern style characterised by a surreal elongation of faces, necks, and figures |
| Forgers | Modigliani's works are often forged due to their high value and the attractively simplistic style |
| Scientific analysis | Scholars are developing new scientific analysis and research to help distinguish real from fake Modiglianis |
| Forging difficulty | According to curator Jeanne-Bathilde Lacourt, Modigliani's works are harder to fake than people think, and many fakes are obvious |
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What You'll Learn
Brushstroke, technique, and gesture analysis
The works of Amedeo Modigliani are known for their unique style, a blend of Egyptian and African art influences with classical Italian art education. This fusion resulted in a distinct portraiture style that was deeply psychological, sophisticated, and shocking to his contemporaries. Modigliani's style is characterised by a surreal elongation of faces, necks, and figures, with streamlined forms and relatively restrained palettes.
When it comes to identifying a genuine Modigliani painting, brushstroke, technique, and gesture analysis are crucial. Jeanne-Bathilde Lacourt, a curator and Modigliani expert, notes that sometimes forgeries are evident from the technique, gesture, and brushstroke. However, she also emphasises the importance of molecular analysis as a key tool in authentication.
Modigliani's paintings often featured a proto-Cubist palette akin to Cézanne, reflecting his exploration of various artistic movements. His works were primarily created indoors, especially in his studio, and he preferred to paint from life, with live models, rather than en plein air. This preference for working in his studio allowed him to carefully curate his artistic environment, surrounding himself with plush drapery and Renaissance reproductions.
While Modigliani's works are often forged, the intricate details of his brushstrokes, techniques, and gestures can provide valuable insights into their authenticity. The analysis of these elements, combined with scientific and forensic examinations, aids in distinguishing genuine Modigliani paintings from forgeries.
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Scientific and molecular analysis
One of the most important studies on Modigliani's work was conducted in 1981 in Paris. This study compared multispectral images of paintings, including X-ray radiographs, infrared reflectograms, UV fluorescence, and raking light images. It also reported on the X-ray fluorescence analysis of the pigments. This analysis revealed that Modigliani used a reduced palette to create all his colours, although more recent studies indicate he used a more extensive, yet still restricted, range of colours.
Molecular analysis is crucial because it can identify materials that were not available to the painter during his lifetime. For example, the identification of Schweinfurter green and cerulean blue in a painting purported to be by Modigliani did not match the known palette used by the artist.
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) can be used to identify the elements present in a painting. This, in turn, can help identify the pigments used. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry can detect the presence of certain chemical groups and molecular fragments.
Visual techniques, such as infrared reflectography, can be used to image the underlayers of a painting, including the sketch layer. While differences between the sketch and final painting do not necessarily indicate a forgery, significant discrepancies should be further investigated.
Dating methods can also be employed to determine if a painting is newer than its attributed date, which would indicate a forgery. Mobile nuclear magnetic resonance is a non-invasive technique used to analyse the stratigraphy and ageing of paint, which can help identify artificial ageing.
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Catalogue raisonné verification
In the case of Modigliani, the catalogue raisonné has been a contentious issue, with several experts offering conflicting opinions. One of the most prominent figures in Modigliani scholarship is Ambrogio Ceroni, an Italian appraiser, and critic. His catalogue raisonné, first published in 1958 and last updated in 1970, the year he died, is considered the definitive reference for authenticating Modigliani's works by auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's. Ceroni's catalogue, titled "Tout l'oeuvre Peint," is known for its rigorous examination and attention to detail.
However, critics have pointed out that Ceroni's work is not without flaws. Some argue that it lacks the absolute exactness and completeness expected of a catalogue raisonné, with gaps in dating, medium, titles, provenance, and exhibitions. This has led to discussions about the possibility of future voices being accepted as authorities on Modigliani, challenging Ceroni's longstanding monopoly.
Adding to the complexity, other scholars like Christian Parisot and Marc Restellini have contributed their own catalogues raisonnés, which has resulted in contrasting conclusions and a certain degree of rivalry. Parisot, a respected Modigliani scholar, has produced several books, including a catalogue raisonné that has been criticised for grammatical errors and the inclusion of questionable works. On the other hand, Restellini, director of the Musée du Luxembourg in Paris, has been preparing his own catalogue raisonné under the aegis of the Wildenstein Institute. Restellini's work involves scientific analysis, such as lab tests, to authenticate or refute the authorship of certain paintings attributed to Modigliani.
To address these discrepancies and ensure a more comprehensive approach, the Modigliani Project has emerged as a collaborative initiative. This committee of experts examines Modigliani's works firsthand, discusses them, and makes decisions based on their opinions. Their process includes considering lengthy technical reports prepared by conservation professionals and outside experts with specialised knowledge. A unanimous vote is required for a work to be included in their online catalogue raisonné.
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Expert consultation
Given the prevalence of forgeries, it is important to consult experts who can provide authentication and art appraisal services for Modigliani's works. These experts employ various techniques to determine the authenticity of a Modigliani painting.
One such expert is Marc Restellini, a respected Modigliani scholar who has been consulted by auction houses like Sotheby's. Restellini has been working on a catalogue raisonné of Modigliani's paintings and drawings for over two decades and plans to publish his comprehensive catalogue soon. His catalogue will feature 415 works, providing an invaluable resource for authenticating Modigliani's paintings.
Another expert, Christian Parisot, has authored several books on Modigliani, including a catalogue raisonné that has been criticised for listing questionable works. Parisot's career has been marred by court appearances, including a lengthy lawsuit involving fake Modigliani heads created by students.
In addition to these scholars, there are specialised websites and organisations that offer Modigliani authentication services. These entities may request information such as photos, dimensions, history, and origin of the artwork in question. They conduct in-depth research, analysis, and forensic studies to issue respected certificates of authenticity that are accepted worldwide.
To further aid in authentication, experts are developing new scientific analyses and research methods. These include advanced techniques like x-ray and infrared imaging to study the composition and molecular makeup of Modigliani's works. By examining the materials used, such as oil paints, canvas threads, stones, and pigments, experts can determine if they were typical of the artist's period.
As Modigliani is one of the most frequently faked artists, consulting these experts is crucial to distinguish genuine works from forgeries. Their knowledge, experience, and access to advanced technologies provide a robust framework for authenticating Modigliani's paintings and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the art market.
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Comparison to Modigliani's unique style
Amedeo Modigliani is one of the most prominent Italian Modernists, known for his unique and recognizable painting style. His works are also among the most expensive on the art market, with his painting "Nu couché" ("Reclining Nude") selling for $170.4 million in 2015. This financial allure makes Modigliani's work a prime target for forgeries.
Modigliani's unique style is characterized by a surreal elongation of faces, necks, and figures in his portraits and nudes. This style was influenced by Egyptian and African art layered on top of his classical Italian art education, resulting in a one-of-a-kind portraiture style that was deeply psychological, sophisticated, and often shocking to his contemporaries.
Modigliani's oeuvre includes paintings and drawings, as well as sculptures. From 1909 to 1914, he devoted himself mainly to sculpture, using stone blocks stolen from construction sites as he could not afford to buy stone or marble. However, due to his deteriorating health caused by tuberculosis and stone dust inhalation, he eventually had to switch back to painting.
While Modigliani's paintings may appear attractively simplistic due to their streamlined forms and restrained palettes, they are much harder to fake than one might think. Some forgeries are visibly obvious due to the technique, gesture, or brushstroke, but molecular analysis is often required to authenticate a painting.
To distinguish a true Modigliani from a fake, scholars are developing new scientific analyses and research. For example, a group of curators and conservators in France will study 27 paintings and three sculptures by Modigliani using forensic analysis to learn more about his techniques and processes, making it easier to identify fakes.
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