When I was an art history major that painting in the middle (Manet’s Olympia) was discussed in one of my classes. The question at hand: why was it considered so offensive? Naked women have been being painted since the beginning of time. Basically, it comes down to the fact that there are indicators that the naked woman in this painting is a courtesan. So, it’s OK to paint regular (IE non-professional) women naked, but if a woman is a pro it’s offensive? Apparently. Also, check out that confrontational gaze and proprietorial hand. She owns her shit and you better not forget it!
