Problem: Modern Art History
• Discussion Topic: Marc Chagall
o While many of Marc Chagall's paintings are dream-like and buoyant, his painting "The White Crucifix" has considerably darker content.
o Respond to the painting, reflecting on both the symbolism and the religious iconography.
o What message do you think was he trying to convey and what elements do you find successful and/or unsuccessful in your interpretation?
• Discussion Topic: Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avingnon
o Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avingnon was a magnet for extreme criticism, even by those that were closest to the artist. What elements were so controversial about it and why? What about this painting do you think altered the history of art itself as many contend? Taken out of context, if this was a contemporary painting, how could it be read?