#22: Olympia – Édouard Manet (1863)
Inspired by Titian’s Venus of Urbino, Édouard Manet created Olympia in 1863, presenting a modern courtesan reclining under harsh studio light, her gaze direct and unflinching.
He replaced Titian’s faithful dog with a black cat, added pearls, an orchid, and a bouquet from a client, emphasizing her contemporary, real-world identity. The Salon erupted; guards were posted to protect the scandalous work.