Olympia (published plate)

Olympia (published plate), created by the pivotal French artist Édouard Manet (1832-1883) in 1867, is a significant example of nineteenth-century printmaking. Executed as an etching in black ink upon distinctive blue laid paper, this work revisits one of the most controversial paintings of the era.

Manet frequently translated his major oil compositions into the graphic medium, allowing wider dissemination and private study of his often-scandalous subjects. The careful process of etching enabled the artist to capture the iconic composition featuring a defiant nude, identified as the Parisian courtesan Olympia, gazing directly at the viewer. Her maid, positioned in the background, presents a bouquet, a subtle commentary on the transactional nature of the encounter.

The original 1863 canvas polarized critics and the public in France, representing a definitive break from idealized academic traditions toward modern Realism. This 1867 print testifies to Manet’s enduring commitment to the challenging subject and the visual dissemination of his breakthrough works. As a fine print created during this pivotal period of French modern art, the piece holds specific historical importance in the evolution of reproductive techniques. This impression is housed within the esteemed permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, making it accessible for study alongside other major prints from the period. For researchers globally, quality images of this work often circulate in the public domain, ensuring its continued influence on art history.