After four decades of meticulous research, the Institut Restellini is poised to unveil its comprehensive catalogue raisonné of Amedeo Modigliani next month. The launch event will take place at Pace Gallery in London on April 21, followed by a symposium on April 30 at Pace's New York location.
This extensive publication, a true labor of love for Modigliani expert Marc Restellini, spans six volumes and over 2,000 pages. It features 100 newly authenticated works, many of which are already housed in prominent museum collections such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Restellini aims for this catalogue to set a new standard in the field of art authentication.
Restellini expressed his aspirations, stating, "I would like our approach to become the standard. I hope that with this catalogue, people will see what can be achieved." The methodology employed in this catalogue is groundbreaking, combining scientific techniques like spectrometry, carbon dating, infrared, and X-ray imaging with stylistic analysis and thorough document research. A dedicated volume explains these methodologies in detail.
He elaborated on the challenges of authenticity, noting, "Someone can imitate a style, but no one can replicate the exact chemical composition of each pigment used in an authentic Modigliani." The extensive scientific data collected covers nearly half of Modigliani's works, allowing for precise period analysis and pigment matching.
Restellini highlighted the evolution of authentication methods, reflecting on the initial skepticism towards scientific analysis when he began the project in 1985. "Now, the pendulum has swung the other way," he noted, emphasizing that while scientific methods are valuable, they must be combined with stylistic and documentation analysis to effectively reduce the risk of forgeries.
Regarding the rising trend of using artificial intelligence in authentication, Restellini expressed reservations, having encountered systems that erroneously authenticated known fakes. He believes that AI can assist in document analysis but falls short in authenticating artwork.
The new catalogue is expected to invigorate the Modigliani market, which has faced challenges due to the prevalence of forgeries. The artist's legacy has been complicated by a lack of documentation from his lifetime and the absence of a family estate to safeguard his work.
Restellini's commitment to authenticity is evident in his goal to ensure that deserving works are recognized as genuine, regardless of their previous exclusion from catalogues. He remarked, "It is important for Modigliani's legacy that some paintings that have been rejected are recognized as Modigliani when the evidence supports it."
The upcoming symposium at Pace will feature discussions led by experts in the field, including Ekaterina Bembel and Tiffany Bell, ensuring a rich dialogue on the future of art authentication.
The release of this catalogue raisonné not only honors Modigliani's legacy but also sets a precedent for future art authentication practices, potentially transforming how artists' works are validated and appreciated.