Becoming Modigliani
Henri Colt, M.D.
Rake Press (2024)
ISBN: 978-1959185000
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (05/2024)
In “Becoming Modigliani,” author Henri Colt, M.D. takes us into the world of the famed artist Amedeo Modigliani. Modigliani was born July 12, 1884 in Italy. He was primarily raised by his mother. Suffering severe, life-threatening lung diseases as a youth impacted his health as an adult. He moved to Paris so that he could focus on his career as a painter and sculptor. Having mycobacterial tuberculosis affected his ability to lead a healthy life. His libertine lifestyle did not help his situation. He was involved in several relationships with women and had a least one child from his partner who tragically killed herself shortly after his death. He might also have been impacted by syphilis. He died in his thirties, on January 24, 1920, from tuberculous meningitis in Paris.
Dr. Colt, who is also a lung specialist, provides a fascinating discussion on issues that were facing the artist during those times. He extensively discusses the health issues Modigliani was facing so that readers gain a greater understanding of the symptoms and what types of treatment were available at this time. Unfortunately, the treatments were not advanced and often resulted in the worsening of conditions. Antibiotics were not in use at this time. Tuberculosis was rampant.
Modigliani’s other childhood illnesses, like pleurisy, also impacted his ability to recover and lead a normal, healthy life. His descent into alcoholism might have been impacted by his need to use alcohol to help deal with the physical discomfort that he would have been experiencing, especially with his breathing difficulties. As a young man, having to watch others die from this illness also must have affected him greatly because he knew he would die young from a horrible disease.
While Modigliani was dealing with his health issues, he was also developing his artistic talents and becoming well-known in Paris. Dr. Colt provides vivid descriptions of the Bohemian culture that was happening at this time. He discusses other artists and literary talents who were also making a name for themselves. He was interacting with other notable talents such as Picasso.
While he was developing his unique artistic style, he was influenced by Italian Renaissance, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and African art. Modigliani would often trade some of his artwork for food or wine. He did numerous portraits of individuals which reflected more on his vision of how he saw them, rather than how they appeared. “Becoming Modigliani” offers many beautiful high-quality reproductions of his masterpieces. The entire text is also well-cited so that readers can see it is based on facts.
I am impressed with the amount of research that went into creating “Becoming Modigliani.” I found that the medical information presented really helped me understand how things were at that time. The author also provides a great deal of background on other artists during this era. I found myself looking up images of their works as well.
Historical information was also presented about the war that was happening at that time. A greater understanding was given as to how women were affected by the norms of society as well. Many were going to work while the men were away fighting. Sexually transmitted infections were rampant. Overall, I found the background information helped me greatly understand Modigliani’s motivations. His circumstances helped him to create his masterpieces.
Dr. Henri Colt’s “Becoming Modigliani” is a well-researched masterpiece. Fans of art history will enjoy having an opportunity to learn more about the life of this amazing artist, and the era in which he lived among other notable artists. I look forward to reading more from this outstanding author.
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