![]() Up until that time, conservative classical conventions ruled art, but a Modern era started, this was also during the onset of the Industrial Revolution during the 18 th century. It broke the artistic rules and portrayed subject matter and style in a new fashion. In the last two decades of Manet’s life, he developed a style that had a significant impact on future painters. Edouard Manet’s Olympia became a turning point painting from the 19 th century. His early masterpieces caused much controversy and served as an influence for the young painters who would create Impressionism. Édouard Manet (1832 – 1883) was one of the first 19th-century artists to paint modern life and was a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. This painting was different and groundbreaking as Manet did not depict a goddess or an odalisque but a high-class prostitute waiting for a client. There were also pictorial precedents for a nude woman, attended by a black servant, by Ingres and other historical painters. This painting was inspired by Titian’s “Venus of Urbino” from 1538, which in turn refers to Giorgione’s “Sleeping Venus” from 1510. The black ribbon around her neck is in stark contrast with her pale skin, reinforcing wealth, and sensuality. The identification is made with the symbols of the orchid in her hair, her bracelet, the pearl earrings, and her oriental shawl. Olympia is identified in the painting as a courtesan or prostitute. Most paintings during this period of art that were this large in size and formate were for historical or mythological art, so the significant proportions of this picture on this topic was a surprise to the establishment. Olympia was placed into the hands of the French nation as far back as 1890 after some fundraising allowed the painting to be purchased for the countrys benefit. “Olympia” was also a name associated with prostitutes in the 1860’s Paris. Olympia’s confrontational gaze caused astonishment when the painting was first exhibited because the details in the picture identified her as a prostitute. ![]() “Olympia” by Édouard Manet shows a nude woman lying on a bed being brought flowers by a servant. ![]()
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