Comparison Of David 'And' Nude Descending A Staircase

To the general public, both Michelangelo’s David and Duchamp’s Nude Descending a Staircase, shock was the initial response. The statue of David depicts a nude man which was much less acceptable at that time than in recent days. Other negative reactions were brought on by its political significance. Duchamp’s painting also raised shock in its viewers. The painting was meant to portray a nude woman as she ascended a staircase although it looked like anything but. This caused the public to feel mocked by the artist because they could not find an actual woman in the painting. Contemporary viewers found David’s nudity to be offensive which brought on many attempts at vandalism towards it. Additionally, contemporary viewers found Duchamp’s