Our life histories are undeniably affected by changes imposed on us by age and disease, and thus, by the trajectory of medicine which itself is enmeshed in the social order of our times. Each has an effect on our identities, which lingers regardless of our will. In this essay, I illustrate how Amedeo Modigliani’s art and illness not only coexisted, but were tragically interwoven in the web of his life. My goal is to describe several aspects of his work and lesser known elements related to the disease that killed him when he was only 35. For Modi - gliani, as for others, understanding this interplay between art, life, and illness provides insight to the creative spirit where beauty and truth are found