Olympia ...

Darling Fluffies …Today we are tackling the scandal that was “Olympia” by Edouard Manet:1865…”Shocking" "Immoral" and "Vulgar" were the words used to describe Edouard Manet's masterpiece when it was first unveiled in Paris in 1865.Twas not the fact that the public were being flashed yet another sublime tasteful nude… Non, non, non ! but it was the symbolism and meaning behind the subject matter. We see a luscious nude out stretched on her chaise longue gazing mysteriously and seductively out of the canvas towards us live voyeurs. She is accompanied by a black cat and her maid who's attentively attending to her and is offering her a bouquet of flowers. So, why was offense taken? What on earth could cause such umbrage ? Well, The flowers being offered are a gift from a satisfied and happy client. Yes..Mademoiselle Olympia is a courtesan, a prostitute! We gather this information by subtle implications. The orchid in her hair, the bracelet and earrings, the black velvet collar around her white lily neck, the discarded half-flung-off satin slipper and the oriental shawl. OOOOO all very ‘Les affaires" All signs of wealth, but acquired by ill-gotten gains. Viewers weren't sure of Manet's motives. Was he trying to produce 

a serious work of art? Was Olympia an attempt to parody other paintings? Or, worst of all, was he mocking them? Manet's painting was inspired by Titian’s ‘Venus of Urbino’ This painting 

shows a nude damsel, tastefully reclined, with her dog. Titian's painting symbolizes fidelity: But Manet's Oylmpia accompanied by her black cat ( dare I joke and say pussy!) is a zhoozshed up interpretation of pure unadulterated infidelity... OO La la…I must say, just imagine meeting Manet ..Wow how fab 

that would of been. His ironic humor appeals to me no end!