O van Olympia 1828 - 1830

Henri Grevedon produced this lithograph in France at the beginning of the 19th century. It depicts a woman identified as "Olympie." Her elaborate turban suggests a connection with the Orient, a region which has a long history as a projection screen for European fantasies. In the 19th century, the increased availability of lithographs allowed artists to circulate images more widely to a growing middle-class audience. We should see this image as contributing to a visual culture that was reinforcing certain ideas about gender, identity and the relationship between Europe and the rest of the world. The image presents a particular vision of feminine beauty, likely intended to appeal to middle-class consumers. Understanding this artwork requires looking beyond its surface. By researching the history of lithography, fashion, and orientalism, we can unpack the complex social forces that shaped its production and meaning.