ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Modigliani Nude That Shocked Paris Heads Sotheby's Lewis Sale

market-auction · 2026-06-05

A Modigliani nude that scandalized Paris in 1917 leads Sotheby's auction of the Lewis Collection. Nu assis au collier (1917) is among 48 works from British billionaire Joe Lewis's collection, expected to raise over £150 million. The sale includes seven Picassos and a Degas sculpture.

Key facts

  • Nu assis au collier (1917) by Modigliani is the top lot
  • The painting scandalized Paris in 1917
  • 48 works from Joe Lewis's collection are being auctioned
  • Total sales expected to exceed £150 million
  • Seven Picasso pieces are included
  • A Degas sculpture is also in the sale
  • Joe Lewis is a British billionaire
  • Sotheby's is conducting the auction

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • Paris
  • France

Sources