BELFAST.- A stunning painting by one of the world’s most celebrated artists has gone on display this weekend (Friday 8 June) at the Ulster Museum. Amedeo Modigliani’s 1916 masterwork, Female Nude, is noted as one of the most arresting and powerful works of the early 20th century.

Modigliani’s Female Nude is on loan from The Courtauld Gallery and is part of an ongoing collaboration which aims to share The Courtauld’s collections with audiences across the UK, particularly in areas where Courtaulds Ltd. once had a significant industrial presence. In Northern Ireland, its major factory opened in Carrickfergus in 1951 and at its height employed 2,000 people.

The Modigliani painting takes centre stage with other works from National Museum NI’s collections, each of which explores the relationship between artist and sitter. Alongside the Modigliani are works including William Orpen’s Resting (1905), Study of Elizabeth Siddall for The Return of Tibullus to Delia c.1851-5 by Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Sleeping Nude (1928) by Mark Gerlter.

Senior Curator of Art at National Museums NI, Anne Stewart, said: “Modigliani’s works revolutionised the perception of women in society and we are thrilled to be able to display a painting of such significance as Female Nude at the Ulster Museum. This is a rare opportunity to see the work of one of the 20th century’s most revered artists. We hope that after viewing this exhibition visitors will discuss, observe and create their own understanding of the stories behind the works on display.”

The Modigliani painting is one of the finest and most famous of his masterworks. Dr Barnaby Wright, Deputy Director of The Courtauld Gallery, commented: “We are delighted to start this significant partnership with the Ulster Museum with the loan of Amedeo Modigliani’s Female Nude and provide an opportunity for the Belfast community to experience and enjoy masterpieces from The Courtauld Gallery, London as our collaboration develops.”

Modigliani Female Nude, 1916: A Masterwork from The Courtauld Gallery, London exhibition is part of National Museum NI’s year-long thematic programme Hear Her Voice which is highlighting women in its collections through a series of exhibitions and events across the museums.

Born in Livorno, Italy, Amedeo Modigliani, 1884 – 1920, belonged to a cosmopolitan and literary family of Sephardic Jews. He arrived in Paris in 1906, where he quickly established himself as one of the leading members of the artistic avant-garde. He is best known for a series of elongated nudes which betray his knowledge of Egyptian, African and Oceanic sculpture.

The exhibition runs until 28 October in Art 1 Gallery. Admission is free.