The Most Expensive Amedeo Modiglianis Paintings Ever Sold

Amedeo Modigliani (1884–1920) remains one of the most celebrated modern artists, known for his elongated portraits and nudes that exude an air of melancholy and sensuality. His works have consistently broken auction records, making him one of the most valuable artists in the world. This article explores the ten most expensive Modigliani paintings ever sold, providing insights into their artistic significance and the record-breaking prices they fetched.

Table of Modigliani’s Most Expensive Paintings

1. Nu Couché (1917-1918) - $170.4 million

Amedeo Modigliani’s Nu Couché is the most expensive work by the artist, selling for $170.4 million at Sotheby’s in 2018. Part of his famed nude series, the painting features an elongated female figure reclining with her arms behind her head, exuding both intimacy and defiant confidence. The artwork was considered scandalous when first exhibited in Paris in 1917, leading to police intervention due to its provocative nature. With its deep reds and warm skin tones, this masterpiece encapsulates Modigliani’s signature style of graceful sensuality combined with modernist abstraction.

2. Nu Couché (Sur Le Côté Gauche) (1917) - $157.2 million

In 2018, this sensual masterpiece became the most expensive work ever sold at Sotheby’s at the time, fetching $157.2 million. The painting presents a reclining nude with an elongated torso and curvaceous form, a hallmark of Modigliani’s distinctive aesthetic. The gaze of the subject is strikingly direct, making it a powerful portrayal of feminine confidence and modern beauty. The lush color palette and masterful use of light and shadow emphasize the emotional depth of the piece.

3. Jeanne Hébuterne (Au Foulard) (1919) - $56.6 million

This portrait of Jeanne Hébuterne, Modigliani’s muse and tragic lover, was sold for $56.6 million in 2019. The painting captures her delicate features, elongated neck, and deep, melancholic gaze. The muted color palette enhances the pensive mood of the piece, highlighting the emotional depth Modigliani infused into his portraits. Jeanne was a pivotal figure in Modigliani’s life, and this work stands as a poignant testament to their profound yet ill-fated love story.

4. Paulette Jourdain (1919) - $42.8 million

This exquisite portrait of Paulette Jourdain, a young maid in Modigliani’s Parisian circle, was auctioned for $42.8 million in 2015. The subject’s poised yet slightly enigmatic expression, combined with Modigliani’s signature stylization, creates a work of compelling beauty. The simplicity of the background allows the viewer’s focus to remain entirely on the sitter’s form and expression, demonstrating Modigliani’s skill in portraiture.

5. La Belle Romaine (1917) - $41 million

Sold for $41 million in 2010, La Belle Romaine is another of Modigliani’s captivating nudes. This painting emphasizes sensuality through the subject’s soft curves, warm color tones, and confident pose. The bold brushstrokes and stylized form highlight the artist’s ability to infuse classical themes with modernist sensibilities. The piece is celebrated for its blend of elegance and raw emotion.

5. Jeanne Hébuterne (1919) - $33.5 million

Another portrait of Jeanne Hébuterne, this 1919 painting fetched $33.5 million. With soft, muted tones and an intimate atmosphere, the work captures her essence with deep affection. The brushwork is delicate yet expressive, emphasizing Modigliani’s ability to convey complex emotions through simple, elegant forms. This painting remains a touching tribute to their ill-fated romance.

7. L’Amazone (1909) - $25.9 million

An early work from 1909, L’Amazone portrays a confident woman in an equestrian outfit, showcasing Modigliani’s transition from traditional portraiture to his more stylized aesthetic. The painting, which sold for $25.9 million, hints at the artist’s evolving techniques and the foundations of his later masterpieces. The strong lines and intense gaze give the piece a striking presence.

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References

1. Lanthemann, Xavier. Modigliani: A Life. Thames & Hudson, 2015.

2. Secrest, Meryle. Modigliani: A Biography. Alfred A. Knopf, 2011.

3. Lieberman, William S. Modigliani: Beyond the Myth. The Museum of Modern Art, 2004.

4. Sotheby’s Auction House. Catalogue Raisonné of Modigliani Sales, 2022.

5. Christie’s Auction House. Modern Art and Its Market Value, 2021.

6. Casadio, Francesca. Scientific Analysis of Modigliani’s Works. The Getty Conservation Institute, 2018.