What Happened On October 21st?
Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” (1907)
In the year 1907, Pablo Picasso embarked on a radical artistic journey, challenging the conventions of traditional art and paving the way for a new era. On October 21st of the same year, Picasso completed one of his most groundbreaking works, “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.” This painting, depicting five nude female figures, shocked the art world with its fragmented and distorted forms. It marked the birth of Cubism, a movement that would redefine the boundaries of artistic expression. “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” remains an iconic masterpiece, a testament to Picasso’s innovative genius.
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony Premieres (1804)
On October 21st, 1804, Ludwig van Beethoven debuted his Fifth Symphony in Vienna, a composition that would resonate throughout the centuries and become one of the most celebrated pieces of classical music. The symphony’s distinctive opening motif, consisting of four notes, has become instantly recognizable to millions around the world. Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony broke new ground, deviating from the traditional symphonic structure and embracing a more expansive and emotional approach. Its dramatic intensity and relentless energy continue to captivate audiences, making it a timeless masterpiece in the realm of classical music.
The Mona Lisa Returns to the Louvre (1913)
After a two-year absence, Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, returned to the Louvre Museum in Paris on October 21st, 1913. The painting had been stolen by an Italian handyman named Vincenzo Peruggia in 1911, causing a massive public outcry. Its recovery in Florence led to widespread jubilation, and the Mona Lisa was once again put on display in the iconic museum. The enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa continues to captivate visitors from all over the world, and its return to the Louvre remains a significant moment in art history.
