A previously unseen portrait of French writer Raymond Radiguet by renowned Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani is making headlines at Sotheby's upcoming auction. The painting, which has never before appeared at auction, represents a remarkable encounter between two artistic geniuses of the 20th century, both of whom died tragically young before witnessing their full recognition.
The portrait will be offered at Sotheby's "Modernities" sale on October 24, coinciding with Art Basel Paris week when the art market reaches peak activity in the French capital. The work carries an estimate of 5.5 to 7.5 million euros, reflecting both its rarity and historical significance.
First revealed to the public in 1925 through the art magazine L'Amour de l'Art, this masterpiece remained hidden in the same European private collection for over seventy years. The painting originally belonged to Paul Guillaume, the influential art dealer who first encountered Modigliani in late 1914 through an introduction by poet Max Jacob. Guillaume would become one of Modigliani's most important supporters and collectors.
The work captures a pivotal moment in art history, created in 1915 during the height of World War I. Modigliani, who suffered from fragile health throughout his life, had established himself in Paris, the epicenter of avant-garde artistic movements. Born into a bourgeois but financially struggling Jewish family in Italy, the artist had moved to the French capital to pursue his artistic vision while many of his contemporaries were serving in the war.
This portrait represents more than just artistic achievement; it embodies the intersection of two brilliant creative minds who would both leave lasting impacts on their respective fields despite their abbreviated lives. Radiguet, the young French writer, and Modigliani, the passionate Italian painter, shared the common fate of early death before fully experiencing the acclaim their work would later receive.
The timing of Sotheby's presentation during Art Basel Paris week is strategic, as this period represents one of the most significant moments in the international art calendar. The convergence of collectors, dealers, and art enthusiasts in Paris creates an ideal environment for such an exceptional work to find its new home. The painting's emergence after decades in private hands adds to its allure and market potential.
The estimated price range of 5.5 to 7.5 million euros reflects not only the work's artistic merit but also its exceptional provenance and rarity. Works by Modigliani, particularly portraits with such distinguished subject matter and ownership history, command premium prices in today's art market. The Paul Guillaume connection adds another layer of historical significance, as Guillaume was instrumental in promoting and preserving Modigliani's legacy.
