Photo : Ingres
One Work / One Hour: "The Grande Odalisque, the first contemporary art painting?"
A series on the History of modern and contemporary art by Antoine Bonnet
Médiathèque Jean-Pierre Melville (Paris 13th)
About
A masterpiece by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, The Grande Odalisque checks all the boxes of Contemporary Art. Mocked, scandalous, and having become a cult classic, Ingres' Grande Odalisque totally changes the artistic perspective with this Orientalist painting. We will discover together the aesthetic and conceptual importance of this great odalisque...
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Antoine Bonnet holds a DEA (postgraduate degree) in contemporary art history. He collaborates with several art magazines such as Zerodeux, Artaïs, or Facette... He has published several works on disability "La LSF pour les nuls" (First), "Pour l’inclusion radicale" (Melting), on philosophy: "La philo dans les séries" (De Boeck) or "Ce que l’écologie fait à la métaphysique", prefaced by Nicolas Bourriaud, published by L'Harmattan in January 2025, contemporary art: "Poétique de la décroissance" by Mix editions or sociology: "Malcolm, sociologie d’un génie" (Entremises). Latest work "Quand le rock est écolo", preface by Frah of Shaka Ponk by Camion blanc editions in May 2025...
Our take on this event
Prepare to see this legendary masterpiece through a rebellious new lens, uncovering why it sparked such a scandal upon its debut. You will explore the thin line between classical oil painting and the radical spirit of contemporary art with a passionate expert as your guide.
Discover the hidden facets of Ingres' masterpiece, La Grande Odalisque, during a special lecture at the Médiathèque Jean-Pierre Melville on Tuesday, December 8, 2026. Art historian Antoine Bonnet explores the provocative nature of this orientalist painting and examines why it is frequently cited as the first piece of contemporary art. Running from 19:00 to 20:30, this session is perfect for art enthusiasts aged 18 and over. The event is free to attend, wheelchair accessible, and although booking is recommended, it is not mandatory. Join us for a deep dive into the aesthetic and conceptual revolution triggered by this iconic work.
On December 8, 2026, the Médiathèque Jean-Pierre Melville hosts an insightful evening dedicated to Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres' La Grande Odalisque. From 19:00 to 20:30, attendees are invited to challenge their perceptions of this historic piece and understand its critical role in the history of contemporary art.
The discussion is led by Antoine Bonnet, a specialist in contemporary art history and an established author. He will break down how this painting, which once sparked scandal, transformed artistic perspectives through its unique orientalist approach. The session offers a comprehensive look at the aesthetic legacy of the work and its enduring conceptual relevance.
This event is designed for adults aged 18 and up. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible. Admission is free, and while organizers recommend booking in advance to secure your attendance, walk-ins are welcome.
