May 27 2012

Erotic Art History – Franz von Bayros

May’s erotic artist in history is Franz von Bayros (b. 1866 – d. 1924).  He was an Austrian commercial artist, painter and illustrator who, at the age of 17, was accepted in to the Vienna Academy and studied under historic portrait painter Eduard von Engerth. Franz also belonged to the Decadent movement of the late 19th century and used fantastic themes in some of his erotic works.

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Apr 23 2012

Erotic Art History: I Modi

This months erotic art history lesson isn’t about an artist, but an art book.  It’s called I Modi (The Ways) and it depicts sixteen explicit sexual positions and it was done up in 1524 by engraver Marcantonio Raimondi.  According to legend, he based this book on the works that painter Giulio Romano was doing as a commission for Federico II Gonzaga, who was the ruler of the Italian city Mantua during the 1500’s.  When the book was printed the church swooped in and arrested Raimondi and destroyed all copies of the I Modi.  In 1527 it was reprinted, this time with sonnets written by  Pietro Aretino making it the first time erotic art and literature where combined.  But, just as before the church came and destroyed all copies it could find and Raimondi was once again arrested (although was able to escape).

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Mar 14 2012

Erotic Art History – Martin van Maële

This month in Erotic Art History we’ll be learning about Martin van Maële.  We actually won’t be learning a whole lot as not much was known about this artist.  He was born Maurice François Alfred Martin van Miële on October 12, 1863 in Boulogne sur Seine, France.  The name Martin van Maële was the surname he would use for his erotic arts and was actually a mix of his parents last names.  His father, Louis Alfred Martin (who was an engraver) and his Mother Virginie Mathilde Jeanne van Maële.

(warning: some of the illustrations from this artist might be a bit shocking or disturbing)

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Feb 14 2012

Happy Valentines Day

So I hope that everyone had a good Valentines Day.  Mine was quite nice.  I draw a homemade card for my wife and I also made some for the kids too.  After work we all went out and had dinner out.  Yup, very nice indeed. ^_^

I also thought it would be a good time for some art history.  The painting above is called Cupid and Psyche in the Nuptial Bower, (1792-1793) and was painted by Hugh Douglas Hamilton, and Irish painter in the late 1700’s.  It’s based on the story of Cupid and a beautiful woman named Psyche.  Many sculptures and paintings are based on this story but I picked this one as I thought it has certain appeal to it. I like how Cupid seems to be trying to convince Psyche of something, but she’s hesitant.  But in that hesitation there is a small bit of her that wants to be with him.  She knows that if she looks into his eyes she will fall for him.

That or she’s looking at his wang.


Feb 1 2012

Erotic Art History РAchille Dev̩ria

So lets start off the first day of February with our first look back at erotic artists.  From the large list I’ve accumulated I decided to pick Achille Devéria.  He was a French artist from back in the early 19th century (1800 – 1857) who’s art consisted mostly of lithographs and water colour paintings.  During his life, Achille’s would gain success through his illustrations and lithographs, having them printed up in romantic novels, note books and albums.  It’s also mentioned that he would paint portraits of other famous writers and artists.  Writers like Victor Hugo, Sir Walter Scott and Alexandre Dumas where all painted in his Paris studio.

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