Olympia by Manet

Question 1

One-liner

Olympia by Manet

Answer 1

a reclining nude woman with a direct, confrontational gaze being given flowers by a black maid

Question 2

Line

Olympia by Manet

Answer 2

• Clear, bold lines outline Olympia’s figure, drawing out attention to her figure and direct gaze- emphasis

Question 3

Shape

Olympia by Manet

Answer 3

• Flat, levelled shapes creating unity are contrasted with the moddeling of her hand covering her genetalia, emphasizing her sexuality
• Almost cutout-like

Question 4

Space

Olympia by Manet

Answer 4

• Shallow space compresses the scene, bringing the viewer closer to Olympia, creating an intimate, almost confrontational interaction

Question 5

Colour

Olympia by Manet

Answer 5

• Dark reds, blues, greens, whites and golds in the background
• Bright neutrals in the foreground contrast the dark colours

Question 6

Value

Olympia by Manet

Answer 6

• High contrast between the dark background and the highlighted foreground, emphasising her as the central figure

Question 7

Texture

Olympia by Manet

Answer 7

Varied textures from the smoothness of Olympia’s skin to the roughness of the textiles and the background - variety

Question 8

Conclusion

Olympia by Manet

Answer 8

Manet intended to critique the traditional conventions of nude painting by presenting Olympia as a modern, relateable woman, not exotic, who gazes directly at the viewer, asserting her autonomy and individuality