Surprising Nudes

The conventional art world of 19th-century Paris accepted the nude as a subject provided it related to god-like idealism. The Impressionists portrayed contemporary life which included nakedness. Later, the nude was rarely associated with mythology, but was truthful to reality.

Juliet Heslewood is an author and art historian. Juliet studied History of Art at London University. Her books include The History of Western Painting: A Young Person’s Guide.