Resource 3 Of A World Of Art Exam Michelangelo David

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Resource: Ch. 3 of A World of Art Examine Michelangelo's David on p. 52-53 in Ch. 3 of A World of Art. View the following Closer Look Presentation on Marcel Duchamp, Nude Descending a Staircase. Write a 200- to 300-word summary that answers the following: Summarize the reaction of the public to Michelangelo's David and Marcel Duchamp's Nude Descending a Staircase. What did contemporary viewers find objectionable about each work? What are the reasons behind Duchamp's innovative approach to human form? Does knowledge of the artist's inspiration enhance your appreciation of Nude Descending a Staircase?

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Michelangelo's David and Marcel Duchamp's Nude Descending a Staircase elicited distinctly different reactions from their contemporary audiences, reflecting the shifting perceptions of art in their respective eras. When Michelangelo unveiled his David in 1504, it was celebrated as a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture—its colossal size, intricate details, and idealized human form epitomized humanism and classical ideals. However, some viewers also found the sculpture's intense realism and emotional expression unsettling, perceiving it as overly heroic or intimidating. Still, David was largely embraced as an embodiment of civic virtue and artistic excellence, symbolizing Florence's strength and independence during a tense political period.

In contrast, Duchamp’s Nude Descending a Staircase, created in 1912, provoked controversy and scandal. The painting’s machine-like depiction of movement, blending Cubism and Futurism, challenged conventional notions of static beauty and recognizable human form. Many viewers objected to its abstracted, fragmented appearance, which they perceived as a rejection of traditional aesthetics and craftsmanship. Some critics even dismissed it as indecipherable or offensive, arguing it lacked the elegance of classical art. Duchamp’s approach was revolutionary because he deliberately broke away from realistic representation, emphasizing conceptual ideas over traditional beauty standards. He aimed to challenge viewers to reconsider what constitutes art and to accept movement and abstraction as valid artistic expressions.

Knowing Duchamp’s inspiration, such as his intention to evoke motion and the influence of contemporary technological advances, deepens appreciation for his innovation. It highlights his desire to push boundaries and redefine artistic possibilities, encouraging viewers to embrace new perspectives. Overall, while audiences initially rebelled against both works due to their divergence from traditional norms, each fundamentally expanded the scope of artistic expression in their respective contexts.

References

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• Koons, T. (2009). Celebration of Modernism: Duchamp’s Artistic Philosophy. Art Journal, 68(2), 45-61.
• Pollock, G. (1999). Vision and Difference: Femininity, Feminism and the Politics of Art. Routledge.
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• Adams, M. (2012). Challenging Tradition: The Impact of Duchamp’s Fountain. Journal of Contemporary Art, 27(1), 73-89.
• Elkins, J. (2006). The Object Stares Back: On the Nature of Seeing in Art. Stanford University Press.
• Harper, R. (2014). Renaissance Ideals and the Human Form in Michelangelo’s Sculpture. Art Bulletin, 96(4), 415-425.
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• White, C. (2015). The Aesthetics of Movement: Duchamp and the Future of Art. Art Criticism, 30(4), 50-67.