The Zadkine Museum, close to the Luxembourg Garden and just minutes from our hotels, has just opened a new exhibition on a subject never explored before – the strong but all-too-brief friendship between the sculptor Zadkine and the painter Modigliani, illustrated through over 90 works of art (sculptures, paintings, drawings, photos…)

Zadkine and Modigliani, who had both arrive din Paris a few years previously, met in 1913 well before their art allowed them to earn money. Together, they went through hard times, transformations (Modigliani stopped sculpting and started painting) and finally a certain success.

This did not last long for Modigliani, who died in 1920 at the age of 35 ans (of tuberculous meningitis), while Zadkine had a long career and was 79 when he died in 1967.

The exhibition starts by juxtaposing works by the two artists after arriving in Paris and before the First World War, illustrating their shared desire to eschew classic aesthetics and move towards new styles.

Then with paintings from one and gouache works from the other you’ll see the different paths that each artist took after WWI, an event that would separate them forever.

Next, the exhibition shows portraits done by Modigliani of well-known characters from the artistic neighbourhood of Montparnasse, often quickly scribbled from a café terrace, and the presentation ends with documents, photos and films showing how Zadkine contributed to Modigliani’s recognition, including a clip from a 1963 TV show where Zadkine spoke of their friendship.

Linked to the exhibition is an inaugural conference with the museum’s director on 21st November at 6.30pm at the ltalian Cultural Institute (book your free seat here) with a round table entitled Modigliani and Italy planned for January 2025.

And on 20th Novembre, the exhibition catalogue (160 pages, 130 illustrations, 30€) will also be available (in French) here at your local Amazon.

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The exhibition Modigliani / Zadkine – une amitié interrompue is at the Zadkine Museum (here) until 30th March 2025

Open every day except Mondays and some public holidays, from 10am-6pm

Closed 25th December and 1st January

Admission: 9€ / 7€

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Une publication partagée par Musée Zadkine (@museezadkine)