[Photos by Trillian]
This is not Livorno, but the resting place of one of its most famous sons, Amedeo Modigliani, in the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.
When in Paris, we often visit Père Lachaise and never miss a few moments at Modigliani's tomb.In 1920, after not hearing from him for several days, his neighbor checked on the family and found Modigliani in bed delirious and holding onto Hébuterne who was nearly nine months pregnant. They summoned a doctor, but little could be done: Modigliani was dying of the then-incurable disease tubercular meningitis.
Modigliani died on January 24, 1920. There was an enormous funeral, attended by many from the artistic communities in Montmartre and Montparnasse.
Hébuterne was taken to her parents' home, where, inconsolable, threw herself out of a fifth-floor window two days after his death, killing herself and her unborn child. Modigliani was interred at the Père Lachaise Cemetery.
Hébuterne was buried at the Cimetière de Bagneux near Paris, and it was not until 1930 that her embittered family allowed her body to be moved to rest beside Modigliani. A single tombstone honors them both. His epitaph reads: “Struck down by Death at the moment of glory”. Hers reads: “Devoted companion to the extreme sacrifice”.
(From “Amedeo Modigliani”, Wikipedia)
Search labels: Modigliani
External links: Amedeo Modigliani (Wikipedia)
18 comments:
Fascinating tale of sorrow. The tombs above ground remind me of the cemeteries in Louisiana - above ground because of the high water table.
How I miss this place, thank you for the many memories and for teaching me something, that I did not know before.
daily athens
J'adore ! I have been to Pere laChaise, but did not realize he was interred there. Such a wonderful artist.
Very nice VP. How wonderful!
Now that you have taught me the story of the man, it is very touching to see the graves.
The bust shows him as so handsome.
So, Modigliani was Jewish. I never knew.
Shalom Trillian. Nice to see you in your profile photo. Nice to meet you.
Modigliani is arguably one of my favourite artists but I didn't know the story of his end and of Hébuterne's fate. I missed his tomb but then, contrary to you two, I have only been to Père Lachaise once. Ciao Trillian!
Such a sad story!hanks for sharing and for photos Trillian.
It is a sad story. On wonders.........
MB
What an awful, tragic story. But thank you for the Wiki link. I have never heard of this artist before and I find that I like his portraits.
Thank you for the information on Modigliani. I've always been a fan, but I never knew this tragic story. I also didn't know he was buried at Pere Lachaise.
Such a sad story!
That is such a sad ending. But it's lovely how his people remember him and take the time to visit his tomb. Beautiful post :-)
I've learned a lot now:
1- Born in Livorno
2- Burried at Père Lachaise
and of course
3- Everything you've quoted from Wikipedia.
Great information, thanks!
This really personalizes their sad end. It's too bad parents can be that way. I wonder if she would have jumped had they been more sympathetic.
Oh, now I see the stones on the grave. From you?
@ Dina - Not only...
I'm glad others remember him.
Interesting read and photos.
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