My Pretty One (Woman with Guitar) 1911

Pablo Picasso made "My Pretty One" with oil on canvas. It is an example of the analytic cubism style. The image creates meaning through visual codes and cultural references. The words "Ma Jolie," meaning "My Pretty One," appear on the bottom of the canvas and was a reference to a popular song at the time. Created in France during the early 20th century, this work reflects a culture grappling with modernity and the changing role of art in society. Picasso's work deliberately broke from traditional modes of representation. As such, he challenged the established norms of the art academy. To understand this art, one can research the history of cubism, the social conditions of artists in Paris at the time, or delve into musical references of the era.