'A Woman' Is the Work of a Tortured Artist

A reproduction of "A Woman" by Amedeo Modigliani is on display through September in Gordon L. Hassig Senior Park.

It is one of five artworks from the Detroit Institute of Arts on display this summer throughout Huntington Woods as part of the fourth annual Inside|Out program.

"Modigliani drew inspiration for his imagery from African and ancient art," the DIA says of the artist who lived from 1884 to 1920 and was known for his nudes. "When asked what he called his distinctive style, he exclaimed, 'Modigliani! When an artist needs a label, he's lost.' "

The Italian-born painter of Jewish descent lived the life of a tortured artist; he was born into poverty and struggled with substance abuse as well as bouts of typhoid and tuberculosis, from which he eventually died at age 35 in Paris, prompting his pregnant lover to commit suicide, according to modigliani-foundation.org.

Modigliani had a close relationship with his mother Eugenia Garsin, who sensed his destiny when he was just a boy, the website reports.

"The child's character is still so unformed that I cannot say what I think of it," she said. "He behaves like a spoiled child, but he does not lack intelligence. We shall have to wait and see what is inside this chrysalis. Perhaps an artist?"

[Read: Your Guide to DIA Inside|Out Exhibit in Huntington Woods]

[Read: Your Guide to DIA Inside|Out Exhibit in Berkley]