Art History

The Great Modigliani Sculpture Hoax of 1984

When curators went fishing for Modigliani sculptures in the canals of Livorno, their discovery came with a catch.

Amedeo Modigliani's Tete (1910-1912) on view at Christie's in New York City. Photo: John Lamparski via Getty Images.

by Tim Brinkhof Oct 26, 2026

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The year was 1984, and the Tuscan city of Livorno was getting ready to celebrate 100 years since the birth of one of its most famous residents: Amedeo Modigliani .

As part of the festivities, the Museum of Progressive Art planned an exhibit that would bring to light a long overshadowed aspect of Modigliani’s oeuvre: his sculptures. If today, the artist is remembered for his paintings, there was a time when he considered himself a sculptor first and a painter second.…