Entry 8: Two Sexually Controversial Works of Art in History

There was a variety of examples of sexuality and art in class. I want to explore some more examples and the controversies surrounding them.

Nude in a Black Armchair Pablo Picasso 



The controversy comes from its portrayal of women. It is said best by the former director of the Museum of Modern art: " a squishy, sexual toy." It makes the woman look as though her only purpose is sex, and highlights this inhumane idea. To add to the controversy this is the most expansive female nude paintings and was sold at $45.1 million. The idea that it was sold for so much illustrates that we are not trying to stop this portrayal of women but supporting it.

Gustave Courbet The Origin of the World

This is a huge controversy because it was released in 1866 and is still causing problems in 2011. The painting depicts a close-up of a very detailed women genitals. The women's sex was clearly Courbet's goal with the painting, since the head, arms, and legs are framed out of the painting making the genitalia the focal point. In 2011 Facebook took down the painting when someone posted it. This painting has so much controversy surrounding it, because it directly addresses women's sexuality without any questions about the meaning of the painting. Courbet does not try to hide his purpose for creating the work but embraces it.