The Museum of Modern Art - An Analysis of Works

Paper Summary:

This is a comparison/contrast essay discussing several works from the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Two representational works are analyzed - Gustav Klimt's "Hope II" and Pablo Picasso's "Girl Before a Mirror". Two abstract works compared and contrasted are Jackson Pollock's "Full Fathom Five" and Mondrain's "Broadway Boogie-Woogie". Finally, two sculptural works are compared and contrasted - Rodin's "Monument to Balzac" and Boccioni's "Unique Forms of Continuity in Space". A thorough discussion of applicable artistic elements is offered in the paper.

From the Paper:

"In observation of Picasso's Girl Before a Mirror (Marie-Therese Walter) one is struck by an obvious statement being made. The theme of his painting is reflection and seeing beyond what is on the surface. The lines of the bodies are flowing and erotic. The background is geometric and regular except for the startling bright colors. The woman is defined by her sexual components which are exaggerated in bulbous breasts and enlarged wombs. The style is cubism expanded with elements of surrealism infused with color that seems meant to surprise and shock. The use of the reflected image encourages thoughts of how form can change and calls forth questions regarding what constitutes beauty. Depicting female form constructed from circles and lines is in accord with the aims of analytic cubism which stressed the breaking down and analysis of form. The overall effect is more sensual than serious. Questions of inner beauty versus outer beauty may be suggested. The curving lines, bright colors, and rounded erotic shapes suggest harmony and pleasure, reflecting Picasso's delight with his newest love, Marie Therese Walter."

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