• Sculpture Red Velvet Vulva 7320

    Judge Me | Erotic Art

    JUDGE ME. While the word “judge” could be considered harsh, it is not a word that must always have a negative meaning. All of us make judgments daily. It is human nature, part of survival. When...

    JUDGE ME. While the word “judge” could be considered harsh, it is not a word that must always have a negative meaning. All of us make judgments daily. It is human nature, part of survival. When observing erotic art on someone’s wall, it is natural for many to draw some conclusions about that individual. While an individual’s morals or character can not necessarily be judged by the art on their wall, one’s individuality and respect for a woman’s body can certainly be assessed by which works of art adorn their home.

    decorate-with-erotic-art-2
    Curated by Art Provocateur Gallery

    To display tasteful erotica and provocative art in one’s home can actually be a demonstration of appreciation, respect and even reverence towards a woman’s body. What an individual hangs on the walls of their home represents, in a sense, their own perspective. No matter the genre, it is apparent when a particular piece of erotica has been chosen carefully. The effort it took to choose the piece and hang it required contemplation and energy. Investing in art and the motivation behind it. That piece may lend a fresh perspective of their relationship dynamics, or what they prioritize. At the risk of oversimplifying, what one hangs on their wall does indeed express in some measure who they are.

    SEXTING | BY SANTILLO
    Artist: SANTILLO

    If a collection of erotic art demonstrates an owner’s individuality, it can simultaneously demonstrate their knowledge of what art is as well. The ability to judge a person by the art on their wall applies powerfully when getting a feel for what sort of person they are, in the face of open-minded discussion. As all art forms can be controversial, those who display art (erotic especially) tend to be open to and may even invite hearty and intelligent debate. The judgment can usually safely be made that they are open-minded, understanding, and motivated to educate and be educated in many areas.

    erotic art Picasso etching of reclining nude woman and 3 men
    Picasso Etching (1959)

    The pictured etching done by Picasso poses an unerring example of the power art can wield, as it is certain to ignite lively conversation due to its controversial depiction. The overstated vagina, as well as the large and shady faces of the men viewing it, in contrast to the smaller face of the woman, makes an audacious presentation of the differing societal views of genders. Conversation on a piece such as this can lead to the realms of feminism, respect, and the different powers of gender. Erotic art is not only eye-catching, but it has the potential to encourage types of conversation between people that otherwise may not have taken place. Those who display erotic art in their homes understand this and customarily embrace it.

    Conversation and intellectual stimulation begin as a result of viewing erotic art.

    The sharing of their own understanding and comprehension of taste and beauty contribute a healthy, cultured perspective to those who have not made such realizations. Indeed, it could be said that collecting erotic art is an intelligent choice for a buyer and a favor to the intellect of those entering their home. It also must be added that one doesn’t require a college degree to appreciate and understand the art of any form.

    decorate-with-erotic-art
    Curated by Art Provocateur Gallery

    Another judgment to be made when encountering erotic art in a person’s home is of the sexual perspective of the individual displaying the art, versus our oftentimes sex-saturated society of pornography. To display an erotic, proud depiction of artwork is to embrace sexuality in a fresh and lively measure. There is no shame in portraying a sensuous female form in a respectful and tasteful manner, as the purpose is not pornographic, but thoughtful, sexy and moving. Buyers of erotic art understand that they will be judged by the art on their wall. Their erotica is therefore displayed proudly, inviting the doors of communication, education, and intellect to fling wide.

    Art Provocateur Gallery welcomes you to peruse a beautifully curated collection of nude and erotic art from all over the world.

  • Pin Up Girl Illustration

    Sexy Pin-Up Art | Sexism or Feminism?

    Tantalizing and artistic, a fascination with pin-up prints and girls has endured for over a century. But ever since its rise to popularity people have debated over the social impact of sexy pin-up art. Is...

    Tantalizing and artistic, a fascination with pin-up prints and girls has endured for over a century. But ever since its rise to popularity people have debated over the social impact of sexy pin-up art. Is it sexism or feminism?

    Sexy Pinup
    Sexy Pinup

    For decades pin-up art has been both celebrated as a symbol of feminism and criticized as oppressive sexism. We take a look at which is true.

    Criticisms of Sexy Pin-Up Art

    Ever since the beginning of sexy pin-up prints, there have been criticisms. Two of the most common critiques have been the objectification of women and the corruption of social morality.

    In the early days of vintage pin-up art, even celebrities were taking part. For actresses, sexuality was the key to public recognition, fame, and success on-screen. As such, they would seek to make and distribute sexy vintage pin-up art as a form of self-promotion.

    sexy pin-up art bettie page
    The Return of Bettie Page by Corné Akkers

    Some people see this as proof that pin-up art is the objectification of women. In reality, it was a symptom or, more appropriately, a reaction to a system that objectified women. For many, pin-up art was a tool that allowed women to gain notoriety in an unequal society.

    Another common complaint is that this erotic art corrupt social morality. This criticism was inevitable. Pin-up girls are the direct descendent of burlesque photography and culture. Burlesque intentionally runs against the grain of societal norms. So any offshoot of it was likely to rub some people the wrong way.

    Throughout history, emerging art forms and ideas have always been met with heavy criticisms. From historical thinkers like Socrates to modern art forms like video games, new concepts and arts always face accusations of corrupting the youth.

    For pin-up art prints, the positives far outweigh the criticisms.

    Positive Body Image

    The pin-up model is a celebration of the bodies of real women that predates Dove’s celebrated Real Beauty campaign by over a hundred years. From its outset, pin-up prints have propagated positive body image. Rejecting the Victorian era’s zeal for bodily shame.

    The simple makeup and apparel that accentuates the feminine body focusing on natural female beauty. The pin-up model isn’t chasing false beauty ideals. She is confident in her own body and celebrates her sexuality.

    Healthy Body Type

    Early pin-up models helped to establish healthy body types as desirable. It encourages women to celebrate a clean, healthy, real feminine body. As Meghan Trainor would say, “I won’t be no stick-figure, silicone Barbie doll.”

    Sexy Pinup Illustration
    Sexy Pinup Illustration

    Erotic Self-Awareness & Expression

    The sexual revolution often receives credit as one of the most important events in feminism. Pin-up model Bettie Page is heralded as the catalyst of the sexual revolution. Vintage pin-up art, however, had already been giving women a means of erotic self-awareness and expression since the 1890s.

    sexy pin-up art dita von teese
    DITA VON TEESE C-06 BY CRAIG MOREY

    The pin-up girl is sexually liberated, a testament to feminine beauty and sexuality.

    Shop Vintage Pin-Up Art For Sale

    Today, vintage pin-up art remains popular and impactful in the erotic art community. It crosses bridges of BDSM art and fetish themes that celebrate femininity. Discover pin-up art for sale in our online gallery today.

    Art Provocateur is the premier online gallery of erotic art prints.  Browse our galleries of limited edition and one-of-a-kind artwork. We have the largest selection of erotic and nude art from both established artists and rising stars.

  • Thomas Donaldson 6849

    Investing In Art

    You love art. You're interested in investing in art. Perhaps you have diverse taste, or a particular type you prefer above all others. Ideal affordable artwork includes photography in editions and digital...

    You love art. You’re interested in investing in art. Perhaps you have diverse taste, or a particular type you prefer above all others. Ideal affordable artwork includes photography in editions and digital works. In fact, many art critics and curators of emerging contemporary art have pointed to the increasing currency of digital photography in the creative field in terms of its potential for innovation and new ideas.

    Thomas Donaldson 6849
    4-5-19 FADE TO GREY by Thomas Donaldson

    As well, erotic art has increasing cache these days, lead by advocates of the visual and socio-political value of this genre, The World Museum of Sex, The Tom of Finland Foundation, MOSex, New York, as well as festivals such as the Seattle Erotic Art Festival and daring new gallery shows like Hotter Than July: Eat Your Art Out.

    A wonderful way to begin your collection, this type of flatwork is easy to care for, frame and ship and as such does not have excessive additional costs. A testament to the driving force of the individual collector’s taste and vision, private photography collections have become some of the best known and most coveted loans for high caliber museum shows.

    Let passion be your guide to collecting or investing in art.

    Paperbag 7194
    PAPERBAG {REBORN] # 071/F

    Many experts recommend that collectors purchase artwork because they have a passion for the picture or object, and will be pleased if they have a return should they decide to sell the work, but for the most part, feel privileged to own the artwork. As well, it is very exciting to choose work from a curated selection from an online art dealer, knowing you have the very best presented to you.

    The art market, some technical details.

    The pricing and evaluation of an individual piece of art is linked to the market value of similar works by the artist or related artists and appreciation or depreciation reflected in historical sales. All these factors, in turn, depend on the fluctuation of taste as well as what is being offered within the art market at the time.

    One Of A Kind Painting
    The Return of Bettie Page | Corné Akkers

    Classification of art as an asset.

    Technically, art is considered an “alternative investment or asset” by financial advisors and is not regulated in the United States by the FSCS. Generally, art is not liquid, in the sense, one can sell art at any time like one can sell equities, or property to make income. Art has a lower compound return than other alternative assets like wine and/or gold. While the expectation, in general, is that like a stock, you purchase the artwork for a lower value and expect to sell it later at a greater price, in fact, much like the stock market, this is not entirely predictable.

    Long term monetary value artists.

    Aranka Israni 5650
    Support by Aranka Israni

    Certain artists will always have lasting monetary value, unlikely to depreciate unless there is temporary flooding of the market with similar works because, for example, the artist’s family is selling limited edition copy prints, etc. The more secure or stable investments have tended to be early 20th-century modern artists modernism, such as Pablo Picasso. This statement holds true upon examination of auction records.

    Purchasing historical artwork.

    While the art world is not known for transparency, before investing in art, we encourage you to ask for such information upfront. A reputable dealer will not hesitate to provide you with value, condition reports, exhibit history, edition number if applicable, an artist’s biography, authentication documents and/or examination reports by the artist’s foundation if applicable, and comparable sales reports. Artnet has pushed for such transparency and Christie’s and Sotheby’s and other prominent auction houses are held to these standards as well.

    CHIARA #8 | NUDES BY PIETRO

    Purchasing contemporary artwork.

    It’s a great idea to purchase work from emerging and mid-career artists whose work is affordable, and yet at the same time, engaged in contemporary artistic practice. At the forefront of artistic invention, digital photography is considered a relatively new and continually evolving genre and was recently the subject of a wonderful exhibit at the prestigious American institution, The Metropolitan Museum, New York.

    Alice Zilberberg 5560
    ABOVE WATER | ALICE ZILBERBERG

    Some issues to consider before investing in art.

    The joy and privilege of purchasing work from a living artist or an artist’s estate is that you can communicate directly with the artist or through his dealer or estate. You are part of a creative world and this is in itself, what art collecting is about.

    Certainly, we are well aware, that famous contemporary artists such as Jeff Koons have garnered astronomical prices. However, it can be said that such work, while fascinating, does not have the same historical and critical status as iconic early 20th century masters and as such there is no guarantee in terms of future value.

    Before investing in art, ask for information about the artist’s ideas, learn more about the process, enrich the experience of owning a piece of creativity, take notes and keep all documentation. It may be of interest to a curator or art lover or become valuable authentication records in the future.

    Todd Monk 4726
    Wet and Wild by Todd Monk

    Investing in art is best guided by the purchaser’s passion or love for a special piece of art first and foremost, followed by an appraisal of the quality and condition of the piece, and the proper credentials, e.g. proper provenance (history of ownership), documentation, and certificates of authentication either from the dealer, auction house, gallery or artist foundation.

    Always be aware of any gaps in ownership during the WWII years as a work could potentially have looting issues, and one wants to avoid this at all costs, as it puts you at risk for lawsuits, ethical issues, etc. If there is a gap, you should hire a qualified provenance researcher or contact the Art Loss Registry based in London.

    CARLOTTA CHAMPAGNE BEACH TREE | CAM ATTREE

    Art Provocateur is the premier online gallery of erotic art prints.  Browse our gallery of limited edition and one-of-a-kind artwork. We have the largest selection of provocative nude art from both established artists and rising stars.

  • Jeff Koons Antiquity

    The Philosophy of Erotica & Erotic Art

    Erotic art is often viewed as taboo. But the philosophy of erotica plays an important role in portraying, capturing, and accepting humanity. [caption id="attachment_1085" align="alignleft"...

    Erotic art is often viewed as taboo. But the philosophy of erotica plays an important role in portraying, capturing, and accepting humanity.

    Jeff Koons Antiquity
    Jeff Koons | Antiquity 2 | United States

    While the 20th and 21st century saw an attempted suppression of the philosophy of erotica, it continues to be an important and celebrated artistic style. In all the biggest art galleries around the world, nude art is prominently on display. Of course, it is not without erotic art controversy and its history.

    Embracing Human Nature Through Erotic Art

    Descartes and Hobbes are proponents in an attempt to suppress erotic art. They believed that erotic desire was subversive and detrimental to the modern age. That our natural longings and lust would distract from advancement.

    Art, however, is subversive. It provokes an emotional response triggered by our basest desires. Erotic art, in this way, is perhaps the most honest artistic style – appealing to our natural impulses and selves.

    An attempt to suppress these desires is denying who we truly are. Whereas embracing erotic art allows for us to reach a true expression and acceptance of self.

    erotic art painting
    HOMECOMING BY ZAKIR AHMEDOV

    Plato took it a step further. The word “erotica” comes from the Greek word “eros,” meaning love or passion. For Plato, the pursuit of eros was a means of ascension.

    He proposed that humanity’s true desire is for immortality. We seek immortality through procreation, a means of continuing the self. In this way, eros transcends human existence. As such, the pursuit of erotic art is not only in harmony with our base nature, but a means of achieving our true desires.

    The Fallacy of Immaculate Perception in Art

    Immaculate perception is the idea of aesthetics that are completely void of desire. Philosophers like Kant and Schopenhauer deny erotica from art because they elicit an emotional response by invoking lust. This is a fallacy because all art derives a response through provoking desires.

    philosophy or erotic art paintings
    JEG SÄ ELGEN BY SOTOKO

    Nietzsche defends the erotic. Art for the sake of aesthetics is a pursuit of beauty. The ultimate result of all beauty is procreation, “from the most sensual to the most spiritual.” Art devoid of desire is art devoid of aesthetics.

    Philosopher Richard Shusterman emphasizes that sexual experiences and expressions are themselves aesthetic. As such, erotic art is an undeniable art form. He also found that the philosophy of erotica as important in the study of somaesthetics.

    Somaesthetics

    Somaesthetics is the study of bodily perception, performance, and presentation. It emphasizes the concept of the body beyond the physical. The incorporation of erotica creates mindfulness of the body’s desires.

    Beyond Physical

    Erotic art goes beyond physical. It communicates emotions and feelings that invite a response, with or without including nudity. Sensual and sexual pleasures are evoked through erotica and provocative art.

    philosophy of erotica
    HELLENTANGLEMENT BY RICK

    The collection and display of erotica can evoke passion, setting a tone amongst lovers. Or it can provoke an emotive and reflective response. Philosophy of erotica can be empowering, sexual, or romantic, but in all forms, it is a source of honest aesthetic pleasure.

  • Erotic Art Cartoon

    Comparing Erotic & Nude Art: What’s The Difference?

    Erotic and nude art have some similar attributes, but they are ultimately two different genres. In this piece, we take a look at how to recognize the difference between them. As an erotic art gallery, we...

    Erotic and nude art have some similar attributes, but they are ultimately two different genres. In this piece, we take a look at how to recognize the difference between them. As an erotic art gallery, we often see confusion between these two artistic genres. This piece will help to see how they differ.

    Defining Nude Art

    Nude art is any fine artwork that depicts the naked human body as its primary subject. It has been a longstanding genre across many forms of media throughout the ages. From the nude statues of the Ancient Greeks, to Renaissance painters like Sandro Botticelli, to modern nude photographers like Ben Ernst.

    Erotic Art Cartoon
    ASIAN DEMOISELLE BY BONTES DIVINES

    The human form has been a central theme in art since inception, and nudity the most honest depiction and expression of it.

    Defining Erotic Art

    Erotic art is fine artwork that is intended to arouse the viewer, and/or depicts sexual activity. Both erotic themes and artistic merit define this genre. Erotic art could be appreciated as fine art even void of arousal. This separates it from pornography or obscenity.

    Although erotic and nude art is generally separate genres, there are similarities between the two. These grey areas are largely responsible for common misidentification between the genres.

    The Grey Areas

    In the public eye, these two genres are too often seen as one and the same. One of the big causes of this is the use of nudity itself. But, nudity alone does not constitute erotica. Erotic nude art is a popular subgenre that may further the confusion, as it falls directly into both categories.

    erotic art painting
    6-15-18 TANGLED BY THOMAS DONALDSON

    All nude art depicts nudity. Erotic art depicts eroticism, with or without nudity. Just because artwork shows the naked body, does not automatically qualify it as erotic art.

    There are many themes and fetishes in erotic art that do not involve nudity. Fetish apparel, for instance, ascribes sexuality to wearing certain clothes. Pin-up photography is a popular category of erotica that, more often than not, does not contain nudity. Artists frequently depict eroticism without nudity.

    Other categories of erotic art, such as bondage photography, contain nudity although it is not the primary erotic driver. Instead, that comes from factors like the exchange of power, intimacy, and mastery of the skill.

    Lesbian Erotic Art
    Steven Perry | Lick My Donut

    Another factor that frequently draws a parallel between the two genres is censorship. Both erotic and nude art have fallen victim to censorship. In theory, censorship is intended to protect the public from offensive or harmful material. Instead, it too often sees use as a means of suppressing artistic creation.

    Neither nudity nor erotica necessarily falls under the vein of “offensive” or “harmful” so long as they constitute fine art. The arguments for and against the censorship of both genres are similar enough that they are easily painted with the same brush.

    Key Differences Between Erotic & Nude Art

    The two key differences between erotic and nude art are the intent and the effect. Although both genres are fine art, they serve separate purposes.

    erotic art print photo
    SPANK AT THE POOL TABLE BY MARCO TENAGLIA

    Erotic art has the specific intention of causing arousal in the viewer. The intent is how many artists categorize the piece as belonging to one genre or the other. Nude art is not made with this intention, even though it can cause arousal in viewers. The difference is whether eroticism is clearly the purpose.

    For example, consider a popular bit among comedians discussing the Sears catalog. They tell stories of being aroused by Sears models during their youth, tearing out pages, or hoarding catalogs. Of course, the intention of the Sears catalog was not to evoke arousal. So even though arousal may have occurred to a minority of viewers, it did not constitute erotic art.

    Lingerie Ads
    1970s Sears Catalog | Lingerie Ads

    Having said that, the effect can determine a piece like an erotic nude, rather than a nude. Regardless of the artist’s intent, if the majority of viewers find the piece evokes erotic arousal, it may fall under the category of erotica. The difference between this and the Sears example is that the people perceiving the art as erotic in the example are outliers rather than a general consensus.

    The effect can work the opposite way as well. For example, an erotic photographer may have prints of a nude model intended for viewers with a foot fetish. For those without a foot fetish, they can appreciate the artistic value of the piece, but the erotic appeal may be lost on them. Outside of this particular fetish community, this piece may be deemed nude art rather than erotic.

    Fetish Art
    Watermelon Toes | Perry Gallagher

    Does Individual Perception Matter?

    From a broad categorization sense, the difference between nudity and erotica isn’t based on the individual viewer. But, from a more personal standpoint, individual perception matters more. The owner of erotic artwork may choose to purchase and/or display an art print because of their personal connection with it.

    erotic art painting
    PROSTITUTES BY SOTOKO

    When buying art, the most important aspect is finding a piece that appeals to your tastes, sensibilities, and desires. For more tips for buyers view our Guide to Shopping for Limited Edition Art. Or, browse our gallery of nude and erotic art from both established and up-and-coming artists.

    Art Provocateur is the premier online gallery of erotic art prints.  Browse our galleries of limited edition and one-of-a-kind artwork. We have the largest selection of erotic and nude art from both established artists and rising stars.

  • P5112-bedroom-wall-art

    Guide to Shopping for Limited Edition Art

    You don’t need to be an art aficionado to own limited edition art. Collectors and interior designers alike agree that shopping for limited edition art is your best option whether you’re buying a...

    You don’t need to be an art aficionado to own limited edition art. Collectors and interior designers alike agree that shopping for limited edition art is your best option whether you’re buying a single piece or growing a collection.

    There are a number of benefits to buying limited edition art that goes beyond exclusivity. They also offer higher-quality prints and are better investments than mass-produced prints. On top of all this, they also offer a more unique look. Mass-produced art may have mass appeal, but it doesn’t really say anything unique about you or your home.

    limited edition art
    WATCH THE ROAD BY NAI SIRROM

    This guide can help anyone from professional decorators to first-time buyers learn what to look for when shopping for limited edition artwork.

    Size of Edition

    The size of the edition is the number of prints available for a piece, not the actual dimensions of the print. So if, for example, an edition is limited to 200 prints, the size of the edition is 200. The edition size is unchanging.

    As a rule, the more limited the edition in number of prints, the greater its relative value. This also helps to increase the art’s appreciation. Over time, other prints may become damaged, lost, or simply owned by people who are unwilling to sell. These factors make the piece rarer and difficult to find. As a result, the value increases.

    limited edition art print
    BEACH WONDER BY STEPHEN PERRY

    The dimensions of the print can come into play in the edition size. Often, artists will offer smaller prints in greater edition sizes than larger prints. This way, more people have access to their art. But, people who buy big prints still get a unique, more exclusive piece of art.

    Proofs

    A proofis an impression made by the printer to ensure the print is ready for production. The artist’s proofs will often have notes or even sketches on them with any necessary changes for the print.

    Although proofs were initially intended as a quality assurance device before printing a full edition, they have since become desirable pieces of art.

    limited edition print
    NATALIE FLOATING IN BACALAR BY BENHORTON

    An artist’s proof is not included in the size of an edition. Due to their scarcity and the uniqueness of having the artist’s notes on the artwork, artist’s proofs can have greater value than a completed print.

    A proof isn’t for everyone though. Although a proof can yield a higher investment, many people prefer to have the completed art print, designed as the artist intended. This is especially true if the art is intended to be displayed in the home. Generally, proofs are most prized amongst collectors.

    Look For Rising Talents

    Whether you want to get the most for your money or have more unique art, purchasing from rising artists is a great option. Their work is generally less expensive than bigger names that are already established.

    As well, someone with a good eye for rising talent can stand to get a great return on their investment. Once they establish themselves, the value of their early work rises drastically. Pairing this with the low initial cost makes for a great investment.

    nude art limited edition print
    TWIN SWANS BY CORY WILABY

    It’s not just a financial investment. Established artists may fall out of fashion. But a rising star is only going to grow in vogue. You can be ahead of the curve and on top of the art scene by shopping limited edition art from emerging artists.

    Buying from emerging talent is also a great way to support them. If you appreciate their art style, you can help influence the art scene by purchasing their art, as well as directly supporting that artist as well.

    Print Quality

    Limited edition art generally has greater print quality than mass-produced artwork. With a limited number of prints, each has to come out perfect and with lasting quality. When shopping for limited prints, be sure to find out how the distributor prints and ships the pieces.

    limited edition print
    I AM NOT LATE BY VASSILIS PITOULIS

    At Art Provocateur Gallery, each of our erotic art prints are backed by the APG Guarantee. We work exclusively with certified Hahnemühle fine art printers. They are printed on the highest quality fine art materials and are delivered with an approved carrier or specialty white-glove service.

    Every limited edition art print we offer comes with a Certificate of Authenticity hand-signed by the artist.

    Buy Limited Edition Erotic Art Prints

    With these pointers in mind, you are ready to buy your next limited edition print. You can search for your favorite established and upcoming artists, or browse our gallery of limited edition art to find the most tantalizing pieces available.

  • Art Basel Face Sculpture

    Exploring Nude Art Sculptures & Erotic Sculptures | How do They Differ?

    The difference between nude and erotic sculptures evades many. While both are artistic and often explore human themes and bodies, they have a feel and purpose altogether different. The biggest...

    The difference between nude and erotic sculptures evades many. While both are artistic and often explore human themes and bodies, they have a feel and purpose altogether different. The biggest differentiator is that erotic sculpting is done with the purpose of the erotic arousal of the audience.

    The Intent

    “I know it when you see it,” is a common phrase for those struggling to verbalize the difference between nudity and erotica. Usually, what they’re seeing (or feeling) is the intention of the sculpture. Erotic sculptures are designed specifically to arouse.

    Nude Sculptural Photography
    Roger Michel Fichmann | Emergence B&W

    Nude sculptures, on the other hand, aren’t made with the intent of causing erotic arousal. They are simply the unclothed human form. The subject’s nudity may be a study of the human form, an indication of vulnerability, or any of a number of themes.

    Some of the best-known nudes throughout time, for instance, are the Greek heroic statues. In these, the nudity was part of the heroic image of Greek gods and characters. Although the statues featured characters with ideal bodies, there is no intent of arousal.

    In a heroic pose, these statues may impress and even celebrate the human body. But they lack the suggestive nature of erotic statues. Nudity alone does not equate eroticism.

    Nudity

    Whether partial or complete, all nude sculptures require some degree of nudity. But, just as not all nude art is erotic, not all erotic art is nude. Although erotic sculptures often involve nudity, they don’t need to be.

    It’s not uncommon for erotic sculptures to create arousal through suggestion. On their own, body sexually-oriented body parts such as the lips can spark arousal. It all depends on how they are presented. Full, pursed lips invite thoughts of erotic encounters.

    Sculpture Red Velvet Vulva 7320
    Red Velvet Vulva BY AMÍE N. MILTON

    In the same way, a fully-clothed body can be sexually suggestive. This can be caused by the statue’s expressions, posture, clothing, situation, or a combination. For example, a vulnerable pose can be sexually suggestive, as can lingerie and intimate apparel.

    Crossover

    One of the difficulties in separating nude and erotic sculptures is that they can have similar themes. While they may have different intentions with these themes, how they are perceived by the audience can alter whether they are seen as erotica.

    Beauty

    Beauty, for example, is a common theme amongst both art styles. Often, the purpose of nude sculptures is to explore or demonstrate the beauty of the human form. It may portray the entire body, or have a more specific purpose.

    For example, Michelangelo greatly admired the beauty of the human torso. Pope Julius II is said to have asked Michelangelo to complete his famous Belvedere Torso with arms, legs, and a face. Michelangelo refused, claiming it was too beautiful to alter.

    nude art sculpture
    EVA BY ANTHONY JEFFRIES

    His reverence of the torso, however, does not display itself as an erotic form. Erotic statues may similarly focus on singular body parts. But they are presented in a way as to arouse the viewer.

    The difference isn’t always obvious though. Sculptures of focusing on female breasts or genitalia, for instance, are often perceived as erotic. However, legs can go either way and may evoke something in some that weren’t the artist’s intention.

    Fertility

    Another theme that can confuse intent is fertility. Some of the oldest surviving statues are about fertility. The famous Venus of Willendorf figurine depicts fertility in a way that is hard to argue as erotic. But not all statues are as clear in intent.

    Assyrian figurines associated with the cult of Inanna (a goddess credited with early BDSM), for instance, have invited controversy. The figurines depict a man penetrating a woman. Historians have strong arguments on all sides for whether the intent is to arouse, to ask the gods for fertility, or both.

    Peace in Bondage Palmer
    Peace in bondage sculpture

    In Peru, Moche pottery may have had an intent of fertility. However, it clearly has erotic intents. They sculpted erotic scenes, such as fellatio, into their pottery. This act is sexual, but not serving the purpose of propagation provides a clearer suggestion of erotic intent.

    Posture

    Different postures can also be suggestive of different ideas to different people. A submissive or vulnerable posture can be sexual in nature, but it could easily be intended as representing benevolence or humility. The artists’ skill will generally make the difference, but it can fall to the whim of the audience’s frame of mind.

    Perception & Erotic Sculptures

    While the artist’s intent is the main differentiator between erotic and nude sculptures, perception is just as important. Perception falls victim to times, locations, and social acceptance. The difference in whether nude art is perceived as erotic art can depend on where, when, and who it is presented to.

    Where

    When we look back at the Ancient Greeks, for example, we saw nude art was widely accepted. The statues were nude, but not necessarily viewed as erotic. If one were to travel to Egypt, Persia, or Assyria during this time, the same statues would be perceived differently.

    In these places, the nude form was viewed as more perverse, and would certainly not be seen as heroic. When Assyrian art depicted nudity the naked people were victims, whipped and enslaved.

    When

    The acceptance of erotica in popular society tends to fluctuate over time. During times when it is less acceptable, nudity is more easily perceived as erotica.

    vulva nude art sculpture
    MULBERRY VULVA BY AMÍE N. MILTON

    Christendom, during the early middle ages, is one of these periods. During this time nude art became rare. Depictions of nude men and women were considered obscene and/or erotic in nature, regardless of the artist’s intent.

    This trend continued until the late middle ages, with Donatello’s David being credited as the first nude sculpture since antiquity. In this time nudity in art was accepted and didn’t automatically qualify it as erotic.

    Who

    As with all art, the meaning of nude art is easily altered by the individual who perceives it. Even inside the same culture at the same time, individual views can change perception between nudity and erotica.

    Michelangelo’s David is generally recognized as the most famous statue in the world. The statue depicts full-frontal nudity.  This statue has been celebrated as an incredible artistic achievement for half a millennia. Yet, it’s presentation has been seen as obscene by many. As recently as 2016, Russian residents held a vote on whether to cover the privates of a copy of the statue.

    As well, David’s genitals were covered for viewings by the Iranian president and Queen Victoria. While some people are outraged by the cover-ups, seeing a censorship of art, others still see this famous piece as obscene due to its nudity.

    Conclusion

    So we may use the artistic intent to simply differentiate erotic sculptures from nude. But, the ultimate decision seems up to the audience. For us, the crucial element is to find a piece that suits your own particular tastes and sensibilities. Explore our erotic sculpture gallery today.