Olympia – Édouard Manet, 1863
Framed Canvas Reproduction
Daring, defiant, and revolutionary—Olympia by Édouard Manet stands as one of the most pivotal works in the history of modern art. Painted in 1863 and scandalously unveiled at the 1865 Paris Salon, this portrait of a reclining nude challenged every convention of classical representation, confronting the viewer not with idealized beauty, but with startling realism and unapologetic presence.
Inspired by Titian’s Venus of Urbino, Manet strips away myth and allegory, presenting instead a contemporary woman—Olympia—posed with unwavering confidence and a direct, unflinching gaze. Her maid offers a bouquet, likely from a suitor, while a black cat at the foot of the bed arches its back in contrast to Olympia’s composed stillness. Flattened forms, stark lighting, and painterly brushwork emphasize the constructed nature of the image, further amplifying its modernity.
This museum-quality framed canvas reproduction preserves the bold contrasts, psychological tension, and historic significance of the original. Perfect for collectors of Realist or avant-garde art, Olympia is more than a painting—it is a statement of independence, identity, and artistic rebellion.
