Final answer:
Picasso was inspired by African art which he experienced at an ethnographic museum, influencing the mask-like faces on the right of 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon.' These features, along with sharp angles and cubic shapes, contributed to the proto-cubist nature of the painting. This groundbreaking style was a departure from traditional art forms and signaled a transition towards Cubism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pablo Picasso drew inspiration for the faces of the female figures on the right side of the composition of Les Demoiselles d'Avignon from African art. In 1907, Picasso experienced a pivotal moment upon encountering African art at the ethnographic museum at Palais du Trocadéro, influencing his approach particularly in Les Demoiselles d'Avignon.
The faces of these figures exhibit simplified, mask-like features, reflective of the angular proportions of African masks he studied, which became a hallmark of the painting's groundbreaking style. This incorporation of African elements signaled a transition in Picasso's work, contributing to the proto-cubist nature of the painting that bridged his African and Cubist periods.
The sharp angles and cubic shapes of the figures in combination with the disjointed spatial arrangement demonstrate a radical departure from traditional Western art forms, contributing to both public acclaim and controversy. Picasso's work, through its unorthodox representation and its allusion to fears such as disease, helped to redefine modern art. Despite the initial shock, the work is pivotal in art history, marking a significant point towards the development of Cubism and expanding the boundaries of artistic expression.