Manet’s Nana depicts a Parisian prostitute freshening up in the mirror half dressed, with her gentleman suitor partially in view... Read More
Manet’s Nana depicts a Parisian prostitute freshening up in the mirror half dressed, with her gentleman suitor partially in view behind her on the sofa. There are two candles extinguished behind her suggesting a deed about to take place. The name “Nana,” was a term reserved for a prostitute and later as an endearing nickname for someone’s Grandmother.
In my own rendition “Not your Typical Nana,” I am standing on a scale, using a bottle of spray tan, to get myself ready for a date. My gentleman suitor is waiting impatiently on the couch in back with magnifying glass in hand. My trusty companion, Babycakes, lays on the rug patiently between us.
In my late 40’s, as I venture out into the dating scene, there is an incredible pressure for me to look young, this opinion is echoed in the many cosmetics and potions on the table behind me on the far left. The excessive pressure of staying fit for a mate is also reiterated in the scale I stand upon. And again, this concept is reinforced with the magnifying glass the suitor holds. Whether it is created in my own head or a real concept it is prevalent. The concept of running late and multitasking is the typical behavior of the limited time I must squeeze the suitor in between my daily responsibilities and child rearing.