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
Please see these helpful art aids:
Writing about Art
Writing an Art Critique
The human figure has been a popular subject matter for artists throughout art history. Modern artists introduced their innovative styles using the human figure. Two early 20th century artists were Picasso and Matisse. They were influenced by the Post Impressionists (Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cezanne, for example.)
Examine and discuss Pablo Picasso’s early cubist painting Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.
What is cubism?
What is the painting about?
What does the title mean?
Why do we see shattered forms?
Is it possible to describe it from the background?
What did this painting do for the art world? Use your art terminology to discuss it and its importance.
and
Examine and discuss Henri Matisse’s Early Expressionist painting, Henri Matisse, The Joy of Life, which was also revolutionary for its time. Answer the following questions:
How are the two significant paintings (Picasso’s and Matisse’s) different in the depiction of the human figure? Visual space?
What was Expressionism about?
What is “the Fauvist vision?”
What did this painting do for the art world? Use your art terminology to discuss it and its importance.
What have you gained from studying art appreciation during this course?
What do you know now that you did not know before taking this class?
If you could own any of the artworks that you have studied, which would it be and where would you hang it?