After Édouard Manet (1832 - 1883) - Olympia

Édouard Manet’s “Olympia” (1863) is a pivotal work of Realism and a challenge to traditional academic art. This hand-painted oil painting on linen canvas depicts a reclining nude woman, Olympia, gazing directly at the viewer with an assertive expression. She lies on rumpled white sheets, adorned with minimal jewelry and a ribbon around her neck. A Black servant presents her with flowers, adding a layer of social commentary regarding race and class in 19th-century Paris. The dark background emphasizes the figures and their stark contrast. The style is characterized by loose brushwork and flattened perspective, rejecting idealized forms for a more direct portrayal of reality. The theme explores sexuality, power dynamics, and the gaze, sparking controversy upon its initial exhibition due to its frank depiction of a courtesan. Manet’s consummately modern image debuted at the Salon of 1865, eliciting public outrage, mockery, and even violence. Compositionally, *Olympia* references the ancient traditions of reclining female nudes, particularly Titian’s *Venus of Urbino*, but deliberately subverts them by presenting a contemporary Parisian woman with an unidealized body and confrontational gaze, placing sex and commerce front and center.

Additional Information:
Period: 19th century
Style: Realism
Condition: perfect
Canvas Type: Cotton or linen canvas
Technique & Material: Acrylic painting on linen canvas
Image Size: 24.0x35.8 inches (61x91 cm)
Total Canvas Size: 28.0x39.8 inches (71x101 cm)
Frame Type: none - Rolled in a protective tube for safe handling and shipping.
Provenance: China
Documents: A certificate of authenticity and purchase documents are issued by WahooArt Studio, guaranteeing the artwork’s provenance and quality.
Damages/Restoration: None; this painting is in pristine condition.
Shipping: Worldwide shipping from China is included via DHL or Post, with the artwork carefully rolled in a protective tube to ensure safe international delivery.