In the context of this artwork, explain the Subject matter of the Background.
Victorine Louise Meurent, born in 1844, would have been 18 when Manet discovered her and asked her to pose. Besides being Manet's favorite model, she was also an artist herself. Victorine was also painted in Le Bain and Olympia, two other paintings by Manet. According to a biography written by Margaret Seibert, Manet picked different types of models to fit the characters of the paintings he wanted to pursue. In this case, Victorine was chosen by Manet for the guitar singer as she is also a girl of "easy virtue."
Le Bain Olympia Victorine Louise Meurent