By Artspace Editors. In the Western tradition, the idealized nude and—more explicitly—sex have long been sticking points in artistic discourse across generations—controversial for their beauty on the one hand, and its supposedly sinful nature on the other. In stark contrast, Japanese erotica in paintings and prints have held a ubiquitous position in society, starting with the Heian aristocracy of the ninth century and trickling down to a rising, modern urban middle class. While styles have changed over the centuries, these works are connected by a shared celebration of life's fleeting, earthly pleasures under the term ukiyo-e , or the Floating World.
10 Contemporary Erotic Artworks From Some of Today's Most-Known Artists
The 10 best works of erotic art | Sex | The Guardian
There is no sexier artist than Egon Schiele. The reason his nude and semi-nude portrayals of his models and lovers are so beguiling is quite simple — they have a filthy quality. Schiele, who got arrested for what he was up to, depicts women with not only lust and adoration but a dirty-minded frankness that transports his art from the merely beautiful to the wildly erotic. Picasso was obsessed with women and sex, and this passion could not be entirely fulfilled by the modernist masterpieces into which he poured so much love and sometimes loathing. From his youth to his old age — when he created a series of pornographic prints featuring the Renaissance master Raphael — he made erotica as well as his more public art.
10 Masterpieces of Japanese Erotica That May Complicate Your Sex Life
Art has always been intrinsically linked to expression, passion and sensuality, but across the centuries, there have been surprisingly few unambiguous depictions of the carnal act in its naked glory. Here, Jonathan Jones chooses his favourite 10 erotic pieces. Tim Adams on why Britain is having less sex.
By Konstantin Akinsha. At press time, the Met could not confirm that the picture would travel to New York. Well known to art historians, it is completely unfamiliar to the general public.
You must be logged in to post wall comments. Please Login or Signup (free).