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...
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