Why Manet’s Olympia Is Considered to Be the First Modern Work of Art

Not even 3 minutes to understand the pictorial revolution of the 19th century

Olympia, Edouard Manet, Musée d’Orsay — public domain from Wiki Commons

At first glance, this painting tackles a rather classical theme: a female nude. This woman lying on the bed can make us think of a Venus, an umpteenth mythological representation. But it is nothing of it. This woman is in reality a prostitute who gets flowers delivered to her by her black maid — whose name is Laure — most probably from an admirer and/or client. And obviously, this painting caused a scandal.

why a scandal?

For many reasons! But I’ll be quick and clear, I promise.

First of all, it is a large-format painting. Generally, the large-size canvas is for historical and mythological paintings, to depict heroic events, and absolutely not to show real people.

Then, at that time, only mythological representations could justify the representation of a naked woman. This is not the case here since the woman shown in this painting, in addition to not being a Greek goddess, is a famous prostitute of the Parisian society of the 19th century.

And finally, many erotic details creep into this work. Open your eyes: the fact that the woman is no longer wearing her mules…