Thursday, November 26th 2009
Bjork
Photo posted at 5:49 PM
Frances Bean Cobain
Photo posted at 5:34 PM
Erwin Blumenfeld
Photo posted at 5:18 PM
Lady GaGa
Photo posted at 5:03 PM
Thirteen
Photo posted at 4:48 PM
Drew Barrymore
Photo posted at 4:33 PM
Robert Downey Jr photographed by Terry Richardson
Photo posted at 4:18 PM
Anthony Kiedis
Photo posted at 4:03 PM
The Virgin Suicides
Photo posted at 3:48 PM
Beth Ditto
Photo posted at 3:33 PM
Though Manet’s The Luncheon on the Grass (Le déjeuner sur l’herbe) sparked controversy in 1863, his Olympia stirred an even bigger uproar when it was first exhibited at the 1865 Paris Salon. Conservatives condemned the work as “immoral” and “vulgar.
What shocked contemporary audiences was not Olympia’s nudity, nor even the presence of her fully clothed maid, but her confrontational gaze and a number of details identifying her as a demi-mondaine or courtesan. These include the orchid in her hair, her bracelet, pearl earrings and the oriental shawl on which she lies, symbols of wealth and sensuality. The black ribbon around her neck, in stark contrast with her pale flesh, and her cast-off slipper underline the voluptuous atmosphere. Whereas Titian’s Venus delicately covers her sex, Olympia’s hand firmly protects hers, as if to emphasize her independence and sexual dominance over men. Manet replaced the little dog (symbol of fidelity) in Titian’s painting with a black cat, which symbolized prostitution. Olympia disdainfully ignores the flowers presented to her by her servant, probably a gift from a client. Some have suggested that she is looking in the direction of the door, as her client barges in unannounced.
Photo posted at 3:18 PM
Vanessa Paradis photographed by Ellen von Unwerth
Photo posted at 3:02 PM
Vivienne Westwood
Photo posted at 2:45 PM
Edward Scissorhands
Photo posted at 2:29 PM
Christina Aguilera
Photo posted at 2:13 PM
