What is a defining characteristic of the figures in the painting "Les Desmoiselles d'Avignon"?

The defining characteristic of the figures in the painting "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" is geometric abstractions. Pablo Picasso, the artist, utilized a revolutionary approach that blended elements of Cubism into the representation of the human form, breaking away from traditional perspectives and naturalistic elements. The figures are depicted with sharp angles, flattened shapes, and distorted proportions, emphasizing the geometric qualities over realistic representation. This approach was groundbreaking for its time and marked a significant shift in the way form and space were represented in art.

In contrast, naturalistic proportions and realistic facial features are traits found in more classical forms of art, which Picasso deliberately chose to move away from in this work. Furthermore, while the color palette of "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" includes bold, unconventional colors, they are not bright pastel colors; instead, the use of darker and more muted tones contributes to the overall emotional intensity of the piece. Thus, the emphasis on geometric abstraction is what truly characterizes this pioneering painting.