A Modigliani Masterpiece Discovered in France
A recent discovery has added another gem to the world of art history. Ferruccio Pinotti, former owner of the Iguzzini lighting company, stumbled upon a remarkable artwork during a trip to France. The piece, a portrait of Knights, a close friend of Amedeo Modigliani, was acquired for a modest sum of a few thousand euros.
Pinotti’s intuition proved right. Subsequent analysis conducted in rome,alongside expert consultation from the Modigliani archive,confirmed the painting’s authenticity.The find is a testament to the enduring legacy of Modigliani and the serendipitous nature of artistic discoveries.
“I paid for a few thousand euros,” Pinotti recounted to the Corriere,”then the analyzes in rome and the Modigliani archive attested to it’s authenticity: it is the portrait of Knights,a friend of Modi.”
an amazing turn of events has shaken the art world: an artwork attributed to the renowned Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani has been authenticated,revealing its true value to a stunned Italian collector.
Fifteen years ago, Paolo Guzzini, a triumphant entrepreneur from Italy’s Marche region and passionate art enthusiast, stumbled upon a painting titled “In a market of Le Mans” in a quaint Loire market. Unknowingly he held a treasure in his hands, a piece that would soon rewrite his life story.
Guzzini, known for his previous ownership of the Iguzzini lighting company (now part of the Swedish Fagerhulte group since 2019), acquired the artwork without any inkling of its potential worth. Now, after fifteen years, the painting has been officially recognized as a genuine Modigliani, sending shockwaves through the art community.
This unexpected discovery promises to be a significant event, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the art market and the possibility of hidden gems waiting to be unearthed. Guzzini’s story is a testament to the serendipitous moments that can define a lifetime and the transformative power of an authentic artwork.
A chance encounter at a bustling Le Mans market turned paolo Guzzini’s life upside down. fifteen years ago, he stumbled upon a seemingly unremarkable painting, without a signature but bearing a curious stamp on its back. “I spotted this stamp on the canvas, a mark from a Montmartre workshop frequented by many celebrated artists, and something about it told me to buy it,” Guzzini recounts. He invested a few thousand euros, a significant sum at the time, recognizing the potential but aware that attributing the work would be a challenge.
Fate, though, had a remarkable twist in store. It was Alberto Mazzacchera, a respected art historian and former cultural advisor, who ignited the spark of possibility.”He suggested we reach out to the Modigliani archive,” Guzzini recalls. “I asked him if he had any suspicions, and he simply replied, ’Let’s see what they tell us.'”
The journey began with a meeting with Christian Parisot, the Director of the “Modigliani Institut Archives Legalies” in Rome.Parisot’s response upon seeing the painting was telling: “When he saw the picture, his expression changed, but he said, ‘I can’t speak. We need radiological exams of the canvas and colors.'”
The process began with X-rays, revealing a hidden layer—another unfinished painting underneath. “The canvas was examined, and the chemical analysis of the colors confirmed our suspicions: the type of ‘economic’ white used in the early 1900s, the kind favored by artists of that era,” Guzzini explains.
The startling discovery: the painting was, in fact, a portrait by the legendary Amedeo Modigliani, a titan of 20th-century art. A seemingly ordinary purchase at a bustling market had unveiled a hidden masterpiece, a testament to the enduring power of chance and the enduring legacy of artistic genius.
A Hidden Modigliani: Rediscovering an Early Parisian Portrait
Imagine stumbling upon a forgotten masterpiece,a glimpse into the early days of a legendary artist. That’s exactly what happened when entrepreneur Cesare Guzzini discovered a captivating portrait hidden amongst his family belongings.
Guzzini,a passionate art collector,noticed a peculiar stamp on the back of the painting,sparking his curiosity. With the help of art experts, he uncovered the stamp’s origins: it belonged to an artist supply shop in Montmartre, the vibrant heart of Paris’ bohemian art scene at the turn of the 20th century.
“That was the final phase of the research, but the investigations started a long time before,” Guzzini shared with The Courier. “The passion for art transmitted by my father was essential.”
Further examination revealed telling details: the type of white paint used dated back to the early 1900s, solidifying the painting’s authenticity. The Modigliani Archive in Rome provided the crucial confirmation: the portrait depicted Mario Cavalieri, a close friend of Modigliani from his time in Venice.
cavalieri, a fellow artist, befriended the young Modigliani and even offered him shelter during his formative years. This portrait, a heartfelt tribute to Cavalieri, highlights Modigliani’s early artistic journey, marked by portraits of friends and acquaintances.
“It could be one of the first works made by Modigliani after his arrival in paris in 1906, when his talent was starting to get noticed,” observes Guzzini, emphasizing the historical importance of the artwork.
For Guzzini, the discovery is more than just a financial gain. It’s a precious window into Modigliani’s artistic beginnings, a chance to connect with the artist’s past and appreciate his profound talent.
Paolo Guzzini: From Lighting Pioneer to Art Patron
Paolo Guzzini, former CEO of renowned lighting manufacturer Iguzzini, is known for his diverse passions.While his entrepreneurial ventures took center stage, he never abandoned his lifelong love for art.
Guzzini’s art collection spans centuries,encompassing archaeological finds,historical pieces,and contemporary works. His passion, he once remarked, stemmed from his father, Giovanni, president of Guzzini brothers in the 1980s, who was also an artist, creating popular acrylic sculptures.
after stepping away from Fimag Spa, Guzzini established his holding company, Pg Capital. alongside various business ventures, Pg capital actively invests in art, aiming to cultivate and promote its economic value through a groundbreaking initiative: a dedicated foundation.
“The time has come – Guzzini confessed – to take a further and significant step of my life with the creation of a foundation aimed at the objective of enhancing and spreading the great beauty of these eternal works. Of course,the headquarters can only be that,primarily,Recanati,my city.”
Guzzini’s commitment to art recently took center stage with the unveiling of a previously unknown portrait by Amedeo Modigliani, authenticated and recognized by the artist’s archive. This discovery further fueled his ambition to establish the foundation, aiming to establish Recanati, his hometown, as a prominent hub for art enthusiasts.
While politics once beckoned, he acknowledges, “There were two passions of my life: one is art, and the other, politics, dissatisfied for lack of time.” A testament to his forward-thinking approach,Guzzini is orchestrating a generational shift in Pg Capital,involving his daughters Vanessa,an architect,and Lucrezia,a rising executive at Luxottica. gioacchino Pantoni, a trusted advisor, completes the leadership team, ensuring the continuation of Guzzini’s legacy.
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What specific details about the stamp on the back of the painting led Cesare Guzzini too suspect it might be a Modigliani?
Unearthing a hidden modigliani: An Interview with Art Collector Cesare Guzzini
the world of art often throws up surprises,revealing hidden treasures from the past. This is exactly what happened to Cesare Guzzini, an art collector and entrepreneur, when he stumbled upon a previously unknown portrait by legendary artist Amedeo Modigliani.
Cesare, can you tell us about the captivating finding of this Modigliani?
It all started with a peculiar stamp found on the back of the painting, linked to an artist supply shop in Montmartre, Paris – the heart of the bohemian art scene in the early 20th century. That sparked my curiosity, and further research revealed details like the type of paint used, which dated back to the early 1900s. Eventually, we turned to the Modigliani Archive in Rome, who confirmed our suspicions. The portrait depicted Mario Cavalieri, a close friend of Modigliani from Venice, and possibly dates back to modigliani’s early days in Paris, making it a notable find for art history.
What emotions did you experience when you realized the painting’s true worth?
It was a truly incredible moment! My passion for art, instilled by my father, had always been a driving force in my life.discovering this hidden masterpiece, and knowing its connection to a pivotal period in Modigliani’s artistic journey, was incredibly rewarding. it’s not just about financial value; it’s about preserving and sharing these precious glimpses into the past.
How do you see this discovery shaping your future involvement in the art world?
This experience has further solidified my desire to contribute to the world of art. I’m currently in the process of establishing a foundation focused on showcasing and promoting art, with my hometown of Recanati, as its center. This discovery has reinforced my dedication to making art more accessible and appreciated by all.
What advice would you offer to other art enthusiasts looking for hidden treasures?
Don’t underestimate the power of curiosity and research. Explore diverse sources, delve into past context, and trust your instincts. Sometimes the most unusual discoveries are waiting to be unearthed, hidden in plain sight.
