Chapter 1
The picnic that broke Paris
Chapter 2
The confrontational gaze of Olympia
Chapter 3
Victorine Meurent: More than a model
Chapter 4
The birth of the avant-garde
YOUR GOAL
Master of When Manet shocked Paris with a stare
Ch 2 · The confrontational gaze of Olympia
suaz Manet's Olympia
With dirty feet and paint so flat and gray, They hired guards to keep the crowds away.
suaz Exhibited at the 1865 Salon, Olympia broke classical rules with her direct, confident gaze and a name linked to Parisian prostitutes.
suaz Angry visitors tried to destroy the controversial artwork using walking sticks and umbrellas.
BETA
suaz Match the painted characters' gazes to discover why Manet's masterpiece scandalized Paris.
Fun Fact
The angry press: Paris newspapers published over 70 highly critical articles about 'Olympia' during its brief exhibition, calling it a 'yellow-bellied courtesan' and a 'female gorilla'.
Glossary
gaze (noun)
A steady, intent, and prolonged look. In 1865, Victorine Meurent's direct eye contact with Paris Salon viewers challenged traditional artistic passivity.
A steady, intent, and prolonged look. In 1865, Victorine Meurent's direct eye contact with Paris Salon viewers challenged traditional artistic passivity.
Quiz
Which classical painting of a reclining goddess did Manet subvert when he painted 'Olympia'?
Quiz
What did the Salon organizers do to 'Olympia' to keep it safe from the furious crowds?
Quiz
What was the name of the Black model who posed as the maid presenting flowers in Manet's 'Olympia'?
Quiz
What animal stands at the foot of the bed in 'Olympia', symbolizing independence and sensuality?
Quiz
Which realistic detail on the model's body did critics point out as proof of her vulgarity?