I'm writing an essay about art. And as many art historians would know, there are certain 'art' functions in

hi, i'll explain this the best i can...i'm writing an essay about art. And as many art historians would know, there are certain 'art' functions in art.. such as personal function, social function, and a physical function etc.. I'm describing the painting "nude descending a staircase" by duchamp, please image google search it if you're not familiar with the piece and have a look at the painting. I just want to know what function of art best describes that?... somehow the physical doesn't fit in, ..social is more to do with..well i'm not really.. can someone help me please

I'm writing an essay about art. And as many art historians would know, there are certain 'art' functions in
Duchamp tried to move to new areas. He also showed people that art is more then the art we see. The nwe art-generations that are evolving art are still there and recognise his directions.
Reply:i´ve always though it describes her movement mostly not really a physcical thing...maybe kinda her presence on the stair..hence being very abstract
Reply:It reminds me of Muybridge's photo sequences of people moving. It is possible that Duchamp had seen Muybridge's work and this painting is a reflection of that.


Photography had pretty much moved the ground out from the painter's feet by this time (taking away the traditional portrait and realistic portrayal elements) leaving artists to describe things through more abstract descriptions.


This painting was pre WWI, so still lacked the nihilistic feeling of Duchamp's later work. It, for me, depicts a woman's movement as seen by a machine (a camera), the harsh lines and lack of organic curves gives a distinct metallic feel to it.