Olympia

Olympia is one of the most valuable artworks in the Musée d'Orsay.

When it was first shown, it sparked a massive scandal.

It's now considered a pillar of modern art.

In Olympia, Manet is drawing inspiration from a portrait of Venus by famous Renaissance artist Titian.

However he replaces the goddess with a courtesan.

The subject matter shocked the audience.

Indeed, while depicting a naked woman as a symbol (such as Virtue), or a goddess (such as Venus), was acceptable, portraying a naked woman in a more everyday, realistic context was considered scandalous and unacceptable at the time.

Most people would have recognised the model for who she was.

Indeed, courtesans, whose clients were often very wealthy and influential men, were highly public figures in 19th-century Paris.

They frequently appeared on postcards and owned substantial properties.

One such courtesan, Cora Pearl, was rumored to charge 1 million for a night in her company!

The painting was met with outrage as the public judged the subject vulgar and immoral.

They were also critical of Manet's style, which featured bold brushstrokes and striking color blocks.

An art critic noted : "People throng in front of Manet's Olympia as they would in front of a body in the morgue."

However, others, like Zola, loved it :

"When our artists give us Venuses, they correct nature, they lie. Manet asked himself why lie, why not tell the truth; and introduced us to Olympia, this fille of our time, whom you meet on the sidewalks".

Today, Olympia remains provocative.

The woman’s gaze, much like Manet’s own approach, is defiant and unapologetic - almost daring the viewer to either move on or come closer!