Olympia (published plate)
1867
Medium
Etching in black on blue laid paper
Dimensions
Image: 8.8 × 17.7 cm (3 1/2 × 7 in.); Plate: 8.8 × 17.9 cm (3 1/2 × 7 1/16 in.); Sheet: 18.7 × 24.5 cm (7 3/8 × 9 11/16 in.)
Classification
etching
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
82079
Art Historical Context
In 1867, Édouardet, a pivotal figure bridging Realism and Impressionism, created etching titled *Olympia (published plate)*, reproduction of his scandalous 1863 oil painting *Olympia*. The original painting stunned Parisian audiences at the Salon des Refusés for its bold depiction of a nude courtesan gazing directly at the viewer,verting classical reclining Venus tropes with modern realism and unapologetic eroticism. This print allowed wider access to the controversial image, disseminating Manet's provocative vision beyond elite gallery walls. Executed in black ink on striking blue laid paper...