Amedeo Clemente Modigliani (July 12, 1884ÊÐ January 24, 1920) became known for his paintings and sculptures in a modern style characterized by mask-like faces and elongation of form. He died in Paris of tubercular meningitis, exacerbated by poverty, overwork and addiction to alcohol and narcotics. Modigliani painted a series 26 or more female nudes mostly between 1916 and 1918. His nudes have often been considered lascivious, even pornographic, in part because they are depicted with body hair, but perhaps also due to the artistÕs reputation for debauchery. His nickname, Modi, rhymes with the French word maudit (accursed), a name he very likely acquired because of his lifestyle. Modigliani died penniless and destituteÑmanaging only one solo exhibition in his life and giving his work away in exchange for meals in restaurants. Since his death his reputation has soared. Nine novels, a play, a documentary and three feature films have been devoted to his life. In November 2010, a painting of a nude by Amedeo Modigliani, part of a series of nudes he created around 1917, sold for more than $68.9m (£42.7m) at an auction in New YorkÑa record for the artist's work. His longtime lover Jeanne Hebuterne committed suicide a day after he died.