Which painting by Pablo Picasso is considered a precursor to Cubism?

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon is widely recognized as a precursor to Cubism because it marks a significant departure from traditional representation in art. Painted in 1907, this work features angular forms, fragmented bodies, and multiple viewpoints, which are foundational elements of Cubism. Picasso challenged conventional perspectives, moving away from realistic depiction towards abstraction. The composition's breakdown of form and use of sharp contours reflects the influence of African art and Iberian sculptures, contributing to the development of a new visual language that would later be fully realized in Cubism alongside Georges Braque.

In contrast, The Two Fridas, while an important work by Frida Kahlo, does not embody the principles that define Cubism; instead, it explores personal and cultural identity. Composition VI, created by Wassily Kandinsky, is associated with abstraction and the spiritual relationship between color and form but does not align with the Cubist style. Tableau 2 by Jean Metzinger represents a later development of Cubism rather than a precursor, emphasizing the established style rather than its origins.