HUMN 303 Week 7 Assignment: Controversial Art and Censorship Submit Assignment

HUMN 303 Week 7 Assignment: Controversial Art and Censorship Submit Assignment

Name

Chamberlain University

HUMN-303: Introduction to the Humanities

Prof. Name

Date

Controversial Art: A Historical Perspective

In recent years, many artworks have sparked controversy and faced removal from public spaces due to their perceived offensiveness. Such contentious pieces often serve as critiques of societal norms, pushing boundaries in various forms including music, literature, and visual arts. As highlighted by ICON (n.d.), artists throughout history have utilized mediums such as painting, photography, sculpture, and installations to address political statements, social issues, and religious beliefs. Many artists have ventured into morally ambiguous territory, prompting discussions around the implications of their work.

One significant example of controversial art is The Nude Maja, created by the Spanish artist Francisco Goya between 1797 and 1800. This oil painting, which is part of a two-piece series, depicts a reclining nude woman with her hands behind her head, accompanied by a subtle smile. Goya’s use of a dark background accentuates the figure, adding an air of mystery to the composition. The identity of the model has been a subject of debate among art historians; some speculate she was the mistress of Prime Minister Manuel de Godoy, while others suggest she was Goya’s own mistress (The Art Encyclopedia, 2020). The painting was displayed at the Academy of Fine Arts in San Fernando from 1808 to 1813 but was later removed for 23 years due to the Spanish Inquisition’s condemnation of its perceived immorality (Aaron Art Prints, n.d.).

HUMN 303 Week 7 Assignment: Controversial Art and Censorship Submit Assignment

The Nude Maja has not only stirred controversy but also influenced other artists. Jeffrey Meyers notes in Impressionist Quartet that Édouard Manet’s Olympia “boldly alluded to another masterpiece, Goya’s Naked Maja” (Meyers, 2016). In 1930, two sets of stamps were issued to commemorate Goya’s work, showcasing The Nude Maja alongside its clothed counterpart. According to Martin and Jacobus (2018), a piece is considered art if it meets three criteria: it is created by an artist, intended as art, and recognized as such by experts. Although some may find The Nude Maja obscene, it possesses the essential qualities of fine art, including masterful use of color, light, and expression.

In contemporary society, the interpretation of art as obscene or immoral often lies in the hands of the viewer. Individuals should have the autonomy to decide what they wish to engage with, particularly when they are financially supporting such works. However, there exists a delicate balance between artistic freedom and the government’s role in censorship. In public spaces, where artworks may expose children to controversial themes, there may be justification for governmental intervention to remove such pieces.

References

Aaron Art Prints. (n.d.). Retrieved August 19, 2020, from https://www.aaronartprints.org/goya-thenudemaja.php

Art on Stamp. (n.d.). The Clothed and The Naked Maja by Goya. Retrieved August 19, 2020, from https://www.artonstamps.org/goya.htm

Meyers, J. (2016). Impressionist Quartet: The Intimate Genius of Manet and Morisot, Degas and Cassatt. Southbank Publishing.
ICON. (n.d.). 10 of the most controversial artworks in modern times. Retrieved August 18, 2020, from https://icon.ink/articles/controversial-art-history/

HUMN 303 Week 7 Assignment: Controversial Art and Censorship Submit Assignment

Martin, F. D., & Jacobus, L. A. (2018). The Humanities Through the Arts. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
The Art Encyclopedia. (2020, May 08). Nude Maja, 1800 – Francisco Goya. Retrieved August 19, 2020, from https://www.wikiart.org/en/francisco-goya/nude-maja-1800