Brief Biography-Amedeo Modigliani, who became known as Modi, was born in Livorno, Italy. He studied sculpture in his hometown, then briefly in Florence and Venice until 1906, when he went to Paris. There he lived a life of poverty, addicted to drink and drugs; some referred to him as a cursed painter. His art dealer Zborowski helped him out with the artists Moise Kissling and Jules Pascin, who lived in the same building. His style is related to African tribal art, Italian masters of the Renaissance and Cezanne; however, his strongest impression is of mannerism. He spent the rest of his life in Paris, where he died a relatively unknown artist. It was only after his death that his works became appreciated.