Thank you to All my American and North American Friends

I would like to write this quick post just to thank all my American and North American friends. This blog wouldn't be the same without your kind comments, suggestions and support. I will make an extra effort in the New Year to encompass more American based Erotic artists and writers.
Again......THANK YOU, all my American friends.

Above is a vintage poster used in the Vietnam War.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

Thank you so much to all my Blogger viewing friends for all your kind comments, words and interesting questions within the year that was 2012.
It makes me so happy to be in contact with so many like-minded individuals and lovers of Vintage Erotica.
To all you Lovely Ladies and Generous Gentlemen.....I THANK YOU!
I can only hope my page is equally successful in 2013, I will do my very best to continue providing information on great Erotic Artists and every now & then I'll drop in a post from my very own collection.
I will hopefully hear from you all in the New Year.
This is a NOT-SO-VINTAGE post LOL. I hope all you die hards don't mind. Chat Soon.

For the Gents........or Ladies!

For the Ladies........or Gents!

For Everyone!!!!

Martin Van Maele : A man of Erotic Literature

Martin Van Maele was born in 1863 in France and was renowned for his work in the field of Erotic Literature.

Little is known about this elusive character and if it wasn't for the generous bounty of work in the Erotic genre we may have never have heard of him. His legacy could have lay in the cobwebs of some tired old Library, Alas, this is not the case.

Some believe this talented, shy, unassuming Gentleman studied under one of my favorite Illustrators, Félicien Rops. Polar opposites in terms of character and although I can't say for sure that Maele was Rops' apprentice there are some similarities between their work.

The colour, shading and detail from the illustration above has a strong Rops "feel" for me, not to mention the content. Rops made no excuses when it came to his demonic depictions and Maele seems to have tested this  realm himself as seen below. (Notice the tail and hooves of the "man" entertaining his guest.)

His imagination covered the ink-filled pages of his dim workstations of Paris and Brussels and he made his name as one of the Illustrators of his day which could have been helped along by his association with Rops.

Maele sometimes used the pseudonym of A. Van Troizem to protect his parents (incidently, his Father was an engraver) as most artists of their time did. This was a normal undertaking for artistic individuals who had a.....talent, for the more risque side of the illustrative art.

The French Illustrator died on September 5th 1926 aged 62 and his art from that year on became more sought after with every passing decade.

Thanks for reading, Please leave a comment.

Franz Von Bayros - The Illustrator

Franz Von Bayros was an Austrian illustrator and commercial artist, born in Zagreb in 1866. He had a very colourful career which started at the age of 17 with his entry into Vienna Academy.

Von Bayros had a number of artistic interests in the Erotica field including phantasmagoric imagery, Lesbienism, Masturbation (with instruments) - some of these art subjects I may return to at a later date. This post however I would like to introduce his art intrest.........Beastiality.

Even today this subject is enough to make one plead ignorance to the existence of such a practise, probably because of the historical religious rules within many religions. However it can't go unnoticed with the field of art even if it is not as blatantly obvious in other forms of art of the day.

Beastiality has long been contained within Folklore, Myth and Legend as with the Greek Myth of "Leda and the Swan" and it was even accepted in some ancient cultures. It must be stated that Beastiality  is illegal in most countries and condoned in none (that are known to me) and Artists like Franz used the issue for shock or artistic interpretation.

Animals have been a very important part of storytelling since man could represent themselves on cave walls and on to Mythology where the Gods often appeared (and seduced earthly women) as various animals. Artists, like Von Bayros, often called upon these legendary fables as insperation and also as a hidden meaning.

Some Art is just, well, Beastiality in it's rawest form and Franz was not afraid to hold back.

Known as the first ever fetish Artist, Von Bayros was a fan of another renowned erotic Artist, Aubrey Beardsley (subject of a future post so please check back) and wanted to follow in Aubrey's Art Nouveau footsteps.

Franz was so controversial, he was extradited from Germany back to his adopted homeland of Vienna, Austria. Von Bayros finally parted this planet from a cerebral hemorrhage on April 3rd 1924.

Please leave a comment.................

Thomas Eakins - American Photographer, Painter, Sculptor and Teacher.

A great American Art all rounder and arguably one of the most influential artists in American history. And only failing health slowed him down in the end.

His own belief, whilst teaching, was not to inhibit his students and thus encourage the freedom of their own expressions. He used himself as a guide rather than a director when it came to his teachings.
Thomas's own career was a passion for anatomy and movement of the human  form, he conducted numerous studies to these endeavours.

Eakins had an admiration for the female nude, in particular, but was constantly searching for a male that would exude the same presence, beauty, innocence and anatomical perfection. He had such a passion for Anatomy, he considered becoming a surgeon.

Thomas Eakins was a man of great character, strong willed and a great student of life. Generous with his time and carried out his life the way he thought it should go. He was not afraid to study humanity frankly and also not afraid of the results the studies revealed  to him.

Thomas Copperthwaith Eakins passed away on June 25th 1916 in Pennsylvania, at the age of 71. He left his legacy, that at the time was seen vulgar at times, but it was honest and natural.

His main income toward the latter part of his life were portraits, the staple of most Artists of the era.
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I try to keep my posts short and to the point with illustrations/work of the featured Artist, If you feel the information is a little too short and would like more information on the said Artist, please leave me a comment so that I may ensure your infortmational pleasure.

Thank you for reading this post.

Egon Schiele: The 10 year Artist

Egon Schiele, one of the most celebrated Arists of the last 100 years despite his very short lifespan.

Schiele lived in Vienna at a very colourful time in history,  born 12th June 1890 in a train station he was something of a child prodigy drawing from the age of 2. Schiele, in young adulthood, became a firm friend of Gustav Klimt who saw Schiele's talent and organised for models and patrons for the artwork of this young painter.

Egon always considered himself an eternal child which propelled his adolecent view of his sexual erotic paintings. And his honesty of himself and his female nudes ensured his notoriety along with his free spirited view of life.

The police were called to Schiele's studio after one of his legendary parties where erotic sketches were found, that led to the accusation of him seducing a minor and he was jailed pending the investigation. He was never found guilty but that didn't stop officials ripping up and burning some of his erotic drawings.

Tragedy struck Schiele and his family in 1918 when he lost his wife and child to the Spanish Flu virus and he himself died aged 28 only 3 days later.

But Egon Schiele has proven that the time he had on this planet was fruitful and by all accounts the amount of erotic (and other) art he has left for us to enjoy combined with the honest way in which he lived his life. Has shown the  two common denominators of his passion, sex and death, enveloped him to the very end.

It seems unjust that it was as he was becoming recognised for his portraits and artwork, he died, so he never got to enjoy the accalades he so craved. He did leave us however with a body of erotic work which continues to inspire erotic fans today.
Enjoy this.......and my other posts.......and if you have a comment, feel free to share your views.

Gustave Courbet: Father of French 19th Century Realism

Gustav Courbet, 1819-1877. A true individual who famously said he wanted to be remembered when he died with this statement..... "He belonged to no school, no church, no institution, no acadamy. Least of all to any régime other than the régime of Liberty".

Courbet has a huge volume of artistic works from Landscapes to Seascapes, from Portraits to numerous Self-Portraits, Still life, Social depiction. His range and interest was vast and he spearheaded the 19th Century Realism movement. But alas, as fantastic as this might be, my interests lay in one particular area of his expertise and you don't get any prize for guessing which area I refere to.

During the 1860's Gustave embarked on his erotic painting journey and many of his paintings would not be shown in public due to their graphic nature and his fascination with female genitalia. Those paintings that were displayed increased Courbet's notoriety.

This picture above "The Origin of Life" was not publicly displayed untill 1988 and at the time of it's painting in 1866 was subject to a police report.

Gustav in later life lived in exile, in part, because of his disagreements with Napoleon III and his refusal to comply with formalities, even after Napoleon III had offered him the cross of The Legion of Honor. And also  
his unpaid fines to the newly elected president.

Gustav Courbet passed away at the age of 58 on the 31st of December 1877 from liver disease after many years of excessive drinking.
I hope you like this blog, please leave a comment if it interests you! Untill next time...................

Mihály Zichy - Renowned Hungarian Erotic Artist

Well Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me introduce to you, Mihály Zichy. If you don't know him already, he is a Hungarian Artist who started his adult life studying Law, and whilst studying Law also studied Art. Thankfully for fans of Erotica like us, Law took second place as he pursued his fantastic talent for art, more to the point, his talent for Erotic Art.

He did paint famous individuals of his time i.e. The first Hungarian Prime Minister and Queen Elizabeth, to name just two. But I would rather peruse some of his more, how shall I say.........Entertaining Masterpieces. Some of which are depicted below.

Zichy's forté seemed to lie with capturing the intimate moments of the couples embraces or the portraying a scene of the individuals just before climax, a truly remarkable gift. As one looks at the drawings, you can feel the intensity, the passion, the moment of tension between the couple just before the explosion of ultimate pleasaure.

Zichy Lived from 1897 to 1906 and left us with some exotic and wonderful images in his lifetime, but he will live figuratively for longer still, in his drawings and paintings.

Please leave a comment if you see or read something you like, or just to say Hi.

Vintage Erotic Postcards

I have an affinity for Vintage Erotic Postcards, I have viewed many and have a small collection myself. I would love to obtain some more if anyone in Cyberspace is looking to offload/sell some of their collection.

I can't answer the reason why I like these?? I try to revert back to the time before TV, when Erotica was hidden. I imagine a distinguished Gentleman holding the card that I now hold in my hand, what was he thinking? Was he thinking about Basketball? I think not.
I would imagine he inserted himself into the photographic situation taking his position and including himself in the fantasy surrounding him, of course he would have locked the study door to avoid interruption as he gazed, transfixed, caught in his thoughts. He would have looked upon the ladies, scanning the photo and creating the 3D image in his mind. (Don't scroll down, it's getting hot)

 Would he picture himself as the man in the photo, although the guy in the postcard above seems more interested in the lighting than the lady with him (Maybe that's why he's missing the target?) We all know men can't concentrate on two things at once. Excuse me, I digress, I wonder did the Gentleman, sitting in his large office chair take a chance and re-enact, in some part, what he was viewing?

How involved did he get? Maybe his breeches where a little tight and he needed to loosen them? Ok, that's a feeble excuse but it could have been genuine!
Maybe he was egotistical and obsessed with the size of his member, and imagined it so............

Alas! If only.........Or maybe he just used them for quick sexual satisfaction where he could indulge his tastes without fear or recrimination. What ever he did with them, I'm just glad they survived to this day, relatively clean to pass on to collectors like myself.

Thanks for taking the time to read this (hopefully) humorous  post. I thought I'd stick the odd one in, pardon the pun, rather than have all serious posts but let me know which one you prefer, just leave a comment.
Till next time................Bye for now!

Calling all Félicien Rops Fans, HELP!

Hi All,
I was lucky enough to acquire a number of items of the legend that is Félicien Rops recently. Whilst perusing carefully through the box of prints, books and miscellaneous items, I stumbled upon a very interesting find!! The surprise was a very unique (Or at least I think it is?) Carte De Viste aka CDV, hidden within a book between some prints.
Hence, the call for all those more knowledgeable than myself with regard to Mr. Rops, Please have a look and study the picture below and see if you come to the same conclusion as myself that the individual depicted in the photo is none other than Rops himself. Of course, there is no identification on the CDV as to the identification of this confident male.
I appreciate, as always, all your comments and guidance. So I leave it in your capable hands!
Thanks again for checking out my page.

Alberto Vargas, Pin-Up Extraordinaire

Alberto Vargas, A man born in Peru and a prolific Pin-Up artist, was born in the year 1896 and had a wonderful and colourful career and reached fame when creating his "Vargas Girls" for Esquire during WWII, which incidently were adapted for the the aircraft nose art of the said war.

But before his famous Erotic/Risqué drawings, Varagas had a number of "Ordinary" jobs which included his first employment by Adelson Hat Company where his forté was watercolours and pen. He soon moved to freelance work painting windows etc when he was snapped up to portray the "Ziegfield Follies". It was onward and upward from there and a quick search of the internet will provide many colourful images of these beautiful ladies drawn in Alberto's unique style. In 1927, Vargas heard the call of Hollywood and was called upon to create images for various movie advertisement posters including the aclaimed "The Sin of Nora". Shown Below.

Vargas was simply one of the finest Artists of his Genre which is still proven by his popularity today amongst collectors. Let me know what YOU think!

Édouard-Henri Avril AKA Paul Avril

Édouard-Henri Avril (21 May 1843–1928) was a painter and commercial artist. But his Erotic works were issued under the pseudonym Paul Avril after being commissioned to illustrate 80 vignettes for Théophile Gautier's novel Fortunio. His choice of name caused confusion at time because of his brothers name Paul Victor Avril. Edouard-Henri's reputation was soon established and he received many commissions to illustrate both major authors and the so-called "galante literature" of the day, a form of erotica. These books were typically sold in small editions on a subscription basis and usually organised by collectors.

Avril illustrated many works including John Cleland's "Fanny Hill" printed in 1908, a story of a passive woman's sexual awakening. Below is just one of the many illustrations from Fanny Hill "Fanny Emboldens William".

Avril's major work was "De Figuris Veneris" (On the figures of Venus) first published in 1824, which was an anthology of ancient Roman & Greek erotic writings, below we show the main illustrated lithograph of the title. Paul illustrated the French edition by Charles Hirsch in 1907. Avril died at Le Raincy, Paris, France in 1928 leaving behind an erotic legacy that is still being enjoyed by Erotica Lovers today.

Pornocrates by Charles Brison-An Introduction to the life and works of Félicien Rops

This is a fantastic book about the life and work of the "lazy" "womanizing" Félicien Rops, they are not my words but the words of one of Félicien's closest friends - Edmond Haraucourt.
The book starts with a biography of Rops' life, stepping through his financially secure childhood until the death of his beloved Father when he was 12. Mr. Brison then takes us on a meandering journey of Rops' teenage years, which where decidedly uneventful with the exception of the discovery of his artistic talent. Then onto his double life, The doting Husband to his wife Charlotta whilst in his home town of Namur, Belgium- And "vicious, poisonous womanizer" when in his workplace of Paris.
Some say when Rops entered Paris he signed a pact with the Devil, How else could he obtain his unending youthful looks, his masterful talent and his jovial, electrifying personality. Which he wielded on both sexes but for separate and obvious reasons, Gentlemen to ensure more work-Ladies to ensure more entertainment. All individuals listened intently to his exaggerated but involving stories, some tales increasing in size each time he conveyed them, but his expression of those experiences given in detail (sometimes crudely) and with such enthusiasm forced the listeners to him, as if magnetically. Although Félicien played hard, he also worked hard and reserved the majority of his work for the elite. Those whom he knew would appreciate and covet his works, sometimes foregoing financial reward to ensure his Art was beheld by deserving individuals. After many years of debouch he returned to his hometown to live out the end of his days. Although maintaining his youthful looks till his final breath, Rops was practically blind when he passed away quietly and without regret it seems, at his home in 1898. Leaving behind him an immense amount of work and although at the time there were many great artists of the day, Félicien Rops is still as popular amongst lovers of Erotica today as he was in demand in his own time.
The rest of the book takes us through a visual catalogue of the work of Félicien Rops. An exquisite portfolio of Rops most famous works written in bibliographical style. Here we can see the true artist lost in his own world of Satanism and Erotica and yet he still managed to produce results that were more than satisfactory for those who commissioned this artist to create unique pieces of unforgettable symbolism.
I would encourage all Rops fans who haven't yet read this book to source it and enjoy it, it is a fabulous read.
Comments Welcome.

Above: the cover of Pornocrates

Oxtiern/Misfortunes Of Libertinage by D.F.A.

As mentioned earlier I said I might return to the works of the Marquis De Sade, and so I've chosen one of his many theatrical works. De Sade is well known as you already know for 1. His unique sexual tastes for the period in which he lived. 2. Spending the vast majority of his life either on the run or in prison and 3. His Erotic writings, namely 120 Days of Sodom and Juliet to name but a few.
But Donatien Alphonse Francois (D.A.F.) also wrote many plays, although only a handful actually made it to the stage and even those had a veil of Drama surrounding them. The particular Play I'll mention here is "Oxtiern" a prose drama in 3 acts. It follows the tale of a young Lady (Ernestine) who is held against her will through blackmail and the removal of her virtue by a rich and powerful Count (Oxtiern). The play has about 9 Characters, some intermittent and some just making an appearance in Act 3.
Oxtiern has taken Ernestine and her maid without the knowledge of Ernestine's Father who assumes she has just run away. Ernestine's betrothed (Herman) has been locked away on a trumped up charge by Oxtiern. The story evolves by Oxtiern trying to cunningly arrange the death of Ernestine, her Father and her brother. But I won't spoil the intricacies of the plot, I'll let you find out yourself when you  read it.
I enjoyed this little piece, the usual twists and turns apply as in most plays and was very easy to read. I just wanted to offer this theatrical piece up for discussion as it proves that D.A.F. could write commercial works as well as his notorious literary achievements which come to mind the instant De Sade's name is mentioned in whatever context.
I would like to hear your views on this subject, Please leave a comment.

Above: The only known portrait the Marquis De Sade actually sat for.

Henry Spencer Ashbee AKA Pisanus Fraxi

Here is a very unique individual, even by today's standards. Henry Spencer Ashbee (HSA) never seemed to sit still, he was constantly on the go. Either traveling to Holland, Germany or France on a very regular basis (before mobile phone and aeroplanes) or embarking on obsessive book collecting. He was a true globetrotter and travelled the world extensively and he didn't just collect any type of books, but books of an illegal erotic nature for that particular time (mid to late 1800's). If HSA had  been known by those in authority to have an interest in such vile matters, he may have been arrested. As did happen to some individuals. But only Henry and a few selected friends, who shared similar interests, were aware of his activities. Very little is known of Ashbee's particular tastes, although his comments on flagalation within his "Bibliography" try to feign disgust, his in-debt knowledge of the genre suggests more than a keen interest in this particular subject.
As HSA put together his famous three volume "Bibliography Of Prohibited Books" he decided, in these dangerous times, to create a pseudonym. He took the latin words Fraxinus (Ash) Apis (Bee) and out of these letters evolved the anagram Pisanus Fraxi. And so the legend was born. To gather the bulk of his collection and catalogue his library whilst also creating his three volume works was a mammoth task but a challenge HSA reveled in. Most of the "Bibliography Of Prohibited Books" was written approximately between 1877-1886 and it is widely assumed (but not confirmed) that between the years 1888 and 1894 Henry Spencer wrote "My Secret Life", an erotic tale that follows one mans journey from childhood to adulthood and all his sexual conquests/experiences in between.
This was a fascinating man who really did live life to the full until he eventually shook off his mortal coil in his beloved home on the 29th of July 1900.

Please leave a comment if you are interested in this subject.

Illustration: Ashbee in Paul Avril's bookplate 1890