Amedeo Modigliani, a painter and his dealer, the exhibition at the Orangerie Museum

The Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris is currently presenting a captivating exhibition titled "Amedeo Modigliani: A Painter and His Dealer" This exhibition highlights the unique relationship between the globally renowned Italian artist, Amedeo Modigliani, and his dealer and friend, Paul Guillaume, and explores how this connection profoundly influenced the artist's career and artistic work.

In 1906, Modigliani arrived in Paris as a painter, but it wasn't until 1909, after his encounter with the Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi, that he embraced sculpture. He dedicated himself to sculpture until 1914, abruptly returning to painting until his death.

The sudden and definitive return to painting marked a pivotal turning point in his artistic journey. It was during this time that Paul Guillaume entered the scene. Thanks to Max Jacob, the poet, Guillaume is believed to have discovered Modigliani in 1914, likely becoming his art dealer. This period is documented in the correspondence between Paul Guillaume and Guillaume Apollinaire, who was serving at the front during World War I.

Modigliani immortalized his patron through a series of painted and drawn portraits between 1915 and 1916, the first of which is now displayed at the Musée de l'Orangerie. This portrait depicts Paul Guillaume as a visionary avant-garde figure with the inscription "Novo Pilota," reflecting the artist's ambition and trust in his dealer. The correspondence between the two men also reveals a more intimate relationship, grounded in their shared artistic and literary affinities, as well as a common interest in literature and poetry.

The exhibition at the Musée de l'Orangerie not only showcases five paintings by Modigliani but also includes over a hundred paintings, around fifty drawings, and about ten sculptures that passed through the hands of Paul Guillaume. This abundance of artwork demonstrates the patron's deep commitment to the artist and his personal affection for his work, which was widely displayed in various residences. Among the exhibited works are portraits of prominent figures from the Parisian art scene of the time, including Max Jacob, André Rouveyre, Jean Cocteau, Moïse Kisling, as well as anonymous models.

Furthermore, the exhibition sheds light on magnificent sets of portraits of the women who shared Modigliani's life, including the writer Béatrice Hastings and the young painter Jeanne Hébuterne, his final companion and the mother of his child.

Beyond presenting Modigliani's iconic works that have always fascinated art enthusiasts, this exhibition immerses visitors in the artistic and literary context of 1910s Paris. It also explores the crucial role played by Paul Guillaume in promoting Modigliani's work in the art market, both in France and the United States, during the 1920s. This exhibition offers an exciting opportunity to learn more about Amedeo Modigliani as an artist and the artistic and intellectual world in which he thrived. It is a must-visit cultural and artistic experience for art enthusiasts and art history buffs.

The reception team at Hotel FABRIC is at your service for any reservation inquiries or additional information.

The exhibition is open every day except Tuesdays, from 9 am to 6 pm, until January 15, 2024.

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