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A naked woman reclining is a work of art featured in several art movements throughout history. Two works in this history are Ingres’ “Le Grande Odalisque” (French neoclassicism) and Manet’s “Olympia” (French Realism). When Ingres’ work in “Le Grande Odalisque” is examined, one can notice classical influence playing a crucial role. For instance, there are no blurred or abrupt lines, and the woman’s body is painted with incredibly smooth, invisible brush strokes. The skin and fabric textures appear so lifelike that they are almost photographic. Although she is painted indoors, the background behind the blue curtain suggests spaciousness, as seen in classical masterpieces.
Manet created “Olympia” over fifty years after Ingres completed “La Grande Odalisque.” Compared to “La Grande Odalisque’s” smooth, well-shadowed appearance, “Olympia’s” pale skin is entirely unappealing. Manet’s female figure seems two-dimensional, but Ingres’ naked woman appears three-dimensional. Furthermore, because it is painted flat with thick and apparent areas of paint, “Olympia” lacks illusionism and chiaroscuro. “Grande Odalisque” has idealized and delicate curves and demonstrates sensual chiaroscuro on the contract.
Throughout history, it is clear that the nineteenth century was the most revolutionary for new ideas and innovations. Ingres’ work at the turn of the century did not quite reach that moment of transition, but Manet’s painting in the middle of the century reflected a completely new period. For instance, Ingres painted Napoleon’s sister, the Queen of Naples, for private use, revealing the intent to please the audience or patron. On the other hand, Manet emphasized the radical artistic freedom of expression by portraying a well-known artist model, Victorine Meurent, as a prostitute; his painting sparked a major controversy at the Salon of 1865. Thus, adopting the Marxist method, tradition, and patron servitude in “Grande Odalisque” may be contrasted with revolution and artistic independence in “Olympia.” Unlike Ingres, who treats the reclining nude genre as the peak of artistic accomplishment, Monet illustrates the modernist approach to painting by preventing the viewer from objectifying the woman.
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