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Artist Quarter: Modigliani, Montmartre & Montparnasse
What were Montmartre and Montparnasse really like in their heyday, roughly between 1904, when the youthful Picasso had just arrived on the Hill of Martyrs, and 1920, when Amedeo Modigliani, justly called "the prince of Bohemians," died of consumption and dissipation in Montparnasse? This book, written by an Englishman who lived in Montmartre for 30 years and knew its famous habitués intimately, gives a vivid description. It reveals the truth behind the many legends, is packed with authentic stories about writers and painters whose names are now household words, and contains much hitherto unpublished information about the life and career of Modigliani, obtained from his family and friends. Much of the text was written in Montmartre amid the scenes described, and after personal consultation with survivors of the great days when Frédé presided over the Lapin Agile and Libion, patron of the Café de la Rotonde, was beginning to rival him in Montparnasse. It is the most complete account which has yet been written in English of the birth of Cubism and other contemporary movements in modern painting, and of the lives and loves that started them.
354 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2018
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June 23, 2025
This book covers a period of 1904 to 1920 in France. The focus is the famous artists' quarter of the time.
Montmartre and Montparnasse as the title mentions.
This book is a tsunami of information, both minimal and max.
We see the Picasso gang. Utrillo, Rivera, Warnod, Gazanion,Latourette, Braque, Vlaminck, so many more and, of course,
Modigliani.
There were nests of famous artists and writers.
These were installed in a block of studios in 1906.
The book is riddled with places and addresses, which was a challenge in the correct pronunciation for me.
It was no detriment to my enjoyment.
In general, there is not that much detail written about Amedeo Modigliani. Called "Modi" by family and friends. His true calling was sculpture, but his complaint was the cost of materials.
Born in 1884, he died in 1920 at 35 years old of Tubercular Meningitis.
He contracted TB at a young age, and it lurked within him his whole life.
Like so many artists at that time, he drank, smoked, and indulged in drugs despite the warnings of physicians.
As photographs show, he was an incredibly handsome man with a pleasant demeanor. Women were said to be wild about him.
Later, towards the end of his life in 1917, a beautiful would be artist Jeanne Hebuterne became his much loved muse.
Her parents detested Modi. She became pregnant, and they had a beautiful daughter.
Towards the end of his life,
Modi filed a registration for marraige, but it is believed not filed correctly.
Jeanne was listed as his common law partner. Modi
died before they could become legally married.
Jeanne committed suicide two days after the death of Modigliani. She was carrying his second unborn child.
For 10 years, her parents would not allow her to be buried next to Modi.
His brother Emmanuel finally convinced them, and she was moved to rest beside him.
Picasso and a crowd of artists attended Modiglianis funeral.
Legend says Picassos' last words were to whisper the name Modigliani.
If you enjoy a deep delve into an avalanche of the artists, writers, and places in France at this period of time, you will like this book.
I did have to side step to proper pronunciation and a Google map ocasionally.
Montmartre and Montparnasse as the title mentions.
This book is a tsunami of information, both minimal and max.
We see the Picasso gang. Utrillo, Rivera, Warnod, Gazanion,Latourette, Braque, Vlaminck, so many more and, of course,
Modigliani.
There were nests of famous artists and writers.
These were installed in a block of studios in 1906.
The book is riddled with places and addresses, which was a challenge in the correct pronunciation for me.
It was no detriment to my enjoyment.
In general, there is not that much detail written about Amedeo Modigliani. Called "Modi" by family and friends. His true calling was sculpture, but his complaint was the cost of materials.
Born in 1884, he died in 1920 at 35 years old of Tubercular Meningitis.
He contracted TB at a young age, and it lurked within him his whole life.
Like so many artists at that time, he drank, smoked, and indulged in drugs despite the warnings of physicians.
As photographs show, he was an incredibly handsome man with a pleasant demeanor. Women were said to be wild about him.
Later, towards the end of his life in 1917, a beautiful would be artist Jeanne Hebuterne became his much loved muse.
Her parents detested Modi. She became pregnant, and they had a beautiful daughter.
Towards the end of his life,
Modi filed a registration for marraige, but it is believed not filed correctly.
Jeanne was listed as his common law partner. Modi
died before they could become legally married.
Jeanne committed suicide two days after the death of Modigliani. She was carrying his second unborn child.
For 10 years, her parents would not allow her to be buried next to Modi.
His brother Emmanuel finally convinced them, and she was moved to rest beside him.
Picasso and a crowd of artists attended Modiglianis funeral.
Legend says Picassos' last words were to whisper the name Modigliani.
If you enjoy a deep delve into an avalanche of the artists, writers, and places in France at this period of time, you will like this book.
I did have to side step to proper pronunciation and a Google map ocasionally.
Displaying 1 of 1 review