Modern Era Synthesis Period 2 Team 7

As the Edwardian Era shifted to the Modern Era, a shift in the arts took place as well. Rembrandt’s portraits conveyed the images of different figures under a respectful light highlighting the contours of each portrait. This can be related to the science during the era as philosophers developed different thoughts by analyzing only actual facts. Philosophers aimed to not use subjective interpretations just as Rembrandt’s portraits did not need to be interpreted under a subjective lens.

Picasso’s cubistic works greatly contrasted from Rembrandt’s portraits as they illuminated the devastation of society during this time. As World War II began, many civilians began to lose trust in the government and saw this event as a great tragedy. Picasso’s use of vibrant colors and geometric shapes and lines distort reality in order for the viewer to use a subjective lens when interpreting the meaning of Picasso’s works. For example, Guernica depicted the tragedy of the German and Italian attack on the Spanish city of Guernica. Many innocent civilians’ lives were lost. Picasso painted this piece in order to convey an anti-war sentiment and highlighted the suffering of society during this time. Having a subjective perspective when interpreting the meaning of Picasso’s works elicits the true essence for the viewer to capture. Picasso’s works can be related to the religion during this period as one needed to interpret one’s self and messages from God in order to endure the hardships during this time.