The Painted Face

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Exploring the evolution of French female portraiture from the early nineteenth to the early twentieth century, Tamar Garb examines how these artworks reflect changing social attitudes and aesthetic values. Focusing on six seminal pieces by artists like Ingres, Manet, and Matisse, she traces the genre's transition from idealized representations to a challenge against traditional depictions. The analysis highlights the pivotal role of Picasso's Cubism, particularly in "Ma Jolie," as a turning point in the portrayal of women in art.