Beginning in the early 20th century, French artist Marie Laurencin (1883–1956) created a unique pictorial world that placed women at the center of modern art. With a highly original painting style that defied categorization, Laurencin moved seamlessly between the male-dominated Cubist avant-garde, lesbian literary and artistic circles, and the realms of fashion, ballet, and decorative arts.

Participants are guided by Barnes Foundation docent Joe Caliva, as he discusses “Marie Laurencin: Sapphic Paris,” an exhibition recently on view at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. Caliva explores Laurencin’s career, including her self-portraits, collaborative decorative projects, early Cubist paintings, and signature work—feminine and discreetly queer—that helped define 1920s Paris. Laurencin's visualization of a “sapphic modernity” subtly but radically challenges existing narratives of modern European art.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*

General Information

• View Common FAQs and Policies about our Online Programs on Zoom.

*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.