Modigliani and his times

The highlight of the Madrid trip to me, besides all the food, was the special exhibit at Museo Thyssen Bornemisza titled Modigliani and his times. 

First of all, I love Modligliani. I love his colors, his uniqueness. So seeing his work in itself was a treat.  

But secondly, the exhibit taught me a thing of two. The exhibit outlined all the influences that shaped his art. Not surprisingly, his art was influenced by the work of his peers like Cezanne, Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, Picasso. Somewhat unexpected (to me) was that his work was heavily influenced by black art (African art). Especially the African tribal mask. Isn't that interesting?

(L to R: African fang mask from the Louvre, Head of a woman- scupture by Modigliani, Madame Zborowska: painting by Modigliani)