Cubism Is a Form of Term Paper

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One of the most fascinating and well-known paintings that represents cubism is Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon." Standing at more than eight feet tall, this painting represents five prostitutes waiting at the doors of a brothel (as evidenced by drawn curtains on either side). One of the prostitutes wears an African mask which some believe represents the scourge of venereal disease -- the masks would protect against them. Avignon is a street in Barcelona, Spain, that is noted for its brothels. What distinguishes this painting (painted by Picasso in Paris, France) as cubism is that in the painting the women's bodies are flat and two dimensional. While the nudity is evident, the curves of the hips and breasts have been flattened and appear jagged. In creating this masterpiece, Picasso was inspired by Iberian sculptures (the central two ladies), paintings by Paul Cezanne and El Greco, in addition to African culture. This painting involved more than one hundred pre-sketches and certain characters were removed from the painting (a sailor entering the brothel) in order to prevent it from becoming anecdotal. Another distinguishing characteristic of this painting is that the women's eyes, while disjointed and natural, appear to gaze directly at the viewer.
There are differing schools of thought as to meaning of the painting:1) that Picasso wanted to represent this painting as a period of transition between his traditional and modern style; and 2) the eyes of the women capture the attention of the viewer.

References

Stokstad, marilyn. 2005. Art History. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.

Barr, a.H., Sandler, I and Newman, a. 1986 Defining Modern Art: Selected Writings of Alfred H. Barr, Jr. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.

Florman, Lisa. 2003. "The Difference Experience Makes in 'The Philosophical Brothel'." Art Bulletin 85(4): 769-83;

Paintings from next page

Source:

http://moma.org/collection/browse_results.php?criteria=O%3AAD%3AE%3A4609&page_number=17&template_id=1&sort_order=1http://moma.org/collection/depts/paint_sculpt/blowups/paint_sculpt_006.html

Georges Braque: Violin and Jug

Source:

http://artyfactory.com/art_appreciation/art_movements/cubism.htm

Picasso, Still life with Caning Chair

Source: http://artyfactory.com/art_appreciation/art_movements/cubism.htm.....

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