In what ways did Manet's "Olympia" deviate from conventional depictions of the female nude?

This painting presented a clear challenge to the typical academic female nude. The conventional female nude was Classically modelled, with an even, well proportioned, alluring feminine body, of the type that had originated in Antiquity, and appeared throughout Western art since then. Manet contrasted this with his depiction of the main female figure in Olympia, she is not proportionately or even fully modelled, her skin tone is flat and she lacks shading. Furthermore, she challenges depictions of the typical female nude in that she does not present herself as sexually available, but instead confronts the viewer with a direct stare.

PK
Answered by Philip K. History of Art tutor

2559 Views

See similar History of Art A Level tutors

Related History of Art A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is visual analysis?


Give a broad critical appraisal of the work of Willem de Kooning


Describe how this work was made and comment on how Ramesses has been represented.


Discuss the depiction and interpretation of the human body in three works of art, each of a different medium. Select your examples from the work of at least two artists.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences