Modigliani's Rare Limestone Tête Heads to Phillips New York with $28–35 Million Estimate
On November 18, Phillips will hold an evening auction in New York featuring Amedeo Modigliani's limestone sculpture Tête (1911–12), which is projected to fetch between $28 and $35 million. This 73.7-centimeter piece has never been sold at auction and has remained within the same family for over fifty years. Modigliani produced around 28 stone sculptures, primarily housed in institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim. Tête marks a crucial phase in his sculptural development, drawing inspiration from ancient art. The sculpture will be displayed in London (October 13-15), Paris (October 17-21), and New York (November 7-18), as Phillips seeks to engage collectors with its unique historical value.
Key facts
- Amedeo Modigliani's Tête (1911–12) will be auctioned by Phillips on November 18 in New York.
- The limestone head stands 73.7 centimeters high and carries an estimate of $28–35 million.
- Tête has never been sold at auction and spent over fifty years in the same family collection.
- Modigliani created approximately 28 stone sculptures, most now in museum collections.
- Institutions holding his stone works include the Museum of Modern Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Tate, and Musée National d'Art Moderne.
- The sculpture reflects influences from ancient Egyptian, Cycladic, and African art.
- Pre-sale exhibitions are scheduled in London (October 13–15), Paris (October 17–21), and New York (November 7–18).
- Phillips reported spring 2026 auction turnover up more than 60 percent compared with the same period in 2025.
Entities
Artists
- Amedeo Modigliani
- Constantin Brancusi
- Michelangelo
- Jeremiah Evarts
- Jackson Pollock
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir
- Joe Lewis
Institutions
- Phillips
- Museum of Modern Art
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
- Tate
- Musée National d'Art Moderne
- Sotheby's
- Connaissance des Arts
- Christie's
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Tiffany & Co.
Locations
- New York
- United States
- London
- United Kingdom
- Paris
- France
- Egypt
- Cyclades
- Park Avenue
- Arkansas