The Appropriation of African Objects in Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon

Author

Madison Hummer, Trinity College, Hartford ConnecticutFollow

Date of Award

Spring 2018

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Art History

First Advisor

Michael Fitzgerald

Abstract

In the early summer of 1907, after months of preparatory studies, Picasso completed the first version of Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. By mid-summer, he'd repainted two of the heads of the nude female forms to resemble African reliquary figures. This thesis examines this decision under the greater context of early-20th century colonialism. Why did Picasso include Africanizing elements in the Demoiselles, and to what extent can we apply the term "cultural appropriation" to his decision in modern art history?

Comments

Senior thesis completed at Trinity College for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts in Art History.

Recommended Citation

Hummer, Madison, "The Appropriation of African Objects in Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon". Senior Theses, Trinity College, Hartford, CT 2018.
Trinity College Digital Repository, https://digitalrepository.trincoll.edu/theses/738