Modigliani Nude Estimated at $60.6M Heads Sotheby's Lewis Collection Sale

Amedeo Modigliani's Nu assis au collier (Seated Nude with Necklace) (1917) will headline Sotheby's single-owner auction of the Lewis Collection, estimated at £45 million ($60.6 million). The painting, returning to auction for the first time in over 30 years, is one of just seven full nudes from Modigliani's December 1917 solo show—his only exhibition during his lifetime—which was shut down by police for indecency. Sotheby's specialist Oliver Barker noted heightened interest in Modigliani, citing Johnny Depp's 2024 biographical drama and a new catalogue raisonné by Marc Restellini. The artist's auction record stands at $170 million for Nu Couché (1917–18) at Christie's in 2015. The work was acquired by British billionaire Joe Lewis in 1995 for $12.4 million from the collection of Ralph F. Colin and Georgia Talmey Colin. It will be offered at Sotheby's evening sale on June 24, marking its third auction appearance. The Lewis Collection of 48 works carries a combined estimate exceeding £200 million ($268 million), the highest ever for a single-owner collection at auction in Europe. The collection will be on public view at Sotheby's London from June 10–23. Art advisor Megan Fox Kelly attributed Modigliani's strong market to rarity and distinctive style, adding she does not believe the market has peaked.