Amedeo Modigliani and Bohemian 1906-1920

This lecture explores the short, tragic life of Amedeo Modigliani, from his early Italian influences to his years in Bohemian Paris, where he mixed with artists including Picasso and Soutine. It examines how Renaissance art, Cézanne, African art and Cubism shaped his distinctive portraits and sensual nudes. Despite dying in poverty at just 35, Modigliani’s work is now among the most highly valued in the art world, a poignant contrast to his lack of recognition during his lifetime. Julian Halsby studied History of Art at Cambridge and is formerly a senior lecturer and Head of Department at Croydon College of Art. Julian has several publications to his name, such as Venice - the Artist's Vision, Dictionary of Scottish Painters and A Private View - David Wolfers and the New Grafton Gallery. Julian Interviews artists for the Artist Magazine and is a member of The Critics Circle. A practising artist, he was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists in 1994 and was Keeper from 2010 to 2021.