Le Demoiselles d'Avignon
It turns out this painting was named Le Bordel d'Avignon by Picasso.¹ This translates to “the brothel of Avignon.” Avignon is a significantly religious city in France. It was an art critic who renamed it during an exhibition despite Picasso’s disapproval. Now, the title means translates to “the young ladies of Avignon.” Despite the setting of them in a brothel, each woman represents their sexual power. The women command what art critic Leo Steinberg claims is the resurgence of the reversed gaze. The women’s gazes are alluring, but this time, they aren’t doing it for the male gaze. The women are “self-possessed.” They are owning their bodies and their power over the audience. I think Picasso was right by wanting to name these women where they are. Their truth gives them power. They make a space for themselves.
¹ Les Demoiselles D'Avignon, 1907 by Pablo Picasso, Pablopicasso.org, 2020, www.pablopicasso.org/avignon.jsp.