Edouard Manet, “Olympia" 1863 Here, Manet is inspired by the past- most

Edouard Manet, “Olympia" 1863Here, Manet is inspired by the past- most obviously Giorgione's Sleeping Venus and Titan's Venus of Urbino. But whereas the Italian Renaissance nudes are psychologically "distanced” from the viewer’s everyday experience by their designation as Classical deities, Manet’s figure (the same Meurend who posed for the Déjeuner) was widely assumed to be represent a prostitute. As such, she raised the specter of venereal disease, which was rampant in Paris at the time. The reference to “Olympia” in such a context only served to accentuate the contrast between the social “reality” of nineteenth century Paris and the more comfortably removed Classical ideal. Titan had also relieved the viewer’s confrontation with his Venus by spatial recession. In Olympia however, the back wall of the room approaches the pictures plane, separated from it only by the bed and the servant. Olympia is harshly illuminated, in contrast, to the spot light and gradual, sensual shading of Titan’s Venus. Furthermore, she shows none of the traditional signs of modesty, but instead stares boldly at the viewer.  -- source link

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