Early Modern Masters: Picasso and Matisse: Exploring the Figure in Modern Art

In our final discussion forum for the term, you will choose 1 of 2 groundbreaking Modern paintings: Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’ Avignon OR Henri Matisse’s The Joy of Life. Using your course lesson readings, the Formal Analysis Guide and completing additional research from SmartHistory, answer the questions below. Include links to any research references you used. In addition, you will have a chance to reflect upon what you’ve learned in class.

Choice #1: Henri Matisse’s Fauvist painting, The Joy of Life, 1905

First, examine and answer the following questions: 

W8: Exploring the Figure in Modern Art

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Course Objective(s):

• CO1: Identify major works of Western and Non-Western art from the Neo-Lithic to the Post-Modern periods.
• CO2: Identify major artists and their time periods in Western and Non-Western art.
• CO4: Describe major works of art.
• CO6: Analyze works of art within their social and historical contexts.
• CO8: Examine an artist’s biography and artistic production. 

Early Modern Masters: Picasso and Matisse: Exploring the Figure in Modern Art

In our final discussion forum for the term, you will choose 1 of 2 groundbreaking Modern paintings: Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’ Avignon OR Henri Matisse’s The Joy of Life. Using your course lesson readings, the Formal Analysis Guide and completing additional research from SmartHistory, answer the questions below. Include links to any research references you used. In addition, you will have a chance to reflect upon what you’ve learned in class.

Choice #1: Henri Matisse’s Fauvist painting, The Joy of Life, 1905

First, examine and answer the following questions: 

• What are the ideas behind Expressionism?   
• What is “the Fauvist” vision?  
• Why is this painting considered important to the history of art?  
• Does this style appeal to you, or not?  

Choice #2: Picasso’s early Cubist painting, Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, 1907

Examine and answer the following questions:  

• What is Cubism? And how is this painting Cubist in style? 
• What is the subject matter of the painting?  
• What were Picasso’s influenced in creating this painting? 
• Why is this painting considered important to the history of art? 
• Does this style appeal to you, or not?

Self Reflection: What have you gained from studying art appreciation?  

• What do you know now that you did not know before taking this class?  

To get the highest grade possible, please review and follow the Discussion Guidelines & Grading Rubric.