The Complete Book of Erotic Art; Erotic Art, Volumes 1 and 2: A Survey of Erotic Fact and Fancy in the Fine Arts is a comprehensive collection that stems from the First International Exhibition of Erotic Art. Based on the private collection of psychologists Phyllis and Eberhard Kronhausen, this book offers a diverse range of erotic art from various cultures and time periods. It features 81 color plates and 781 black and white plates, providing a rich visual experience for art enthusiasts and scholars alike.
Features and Benefits:
- Diverse Representation: The collection offers a broad representation of erotic art from Western countries, India, China, Japan, and primitive cultures, providing a global perspective on the subject.
- International Sampling: With over 750 works of art, including 80 color illustrations, this two-volume set celebrates the international nature of erotic art, showcasing a wide range of artistic styles and cultural influences.
- Informative Commentary: Each section is accompanied by insightful commentary, offering historical context and interpretation of the artworks, enriching the reader’s understanding of the pieces.
- Engaging Content: The books provide a captivating exploration of human passion and creativity, featuring works that range from historical to contemporary, realist to abstract, and humorous to profound.
- Positive Tone: The collection generally avoids the negative aspects often associated with pornography, portraying consensual and joyful expressions of human intimacy and desire.
Pros:
- Comprehensive and diverse representation of erotic art
- Insightful commentary and historical context
- International sampling with a wide range of artistic styles
- Positive and consensual portrayal of human intimacy
Cons:
- Limited color illustrations, with a predominance of black and white plates
- Weak attribution and uneven handling of dates and origins of the artworks
Overall, The Complete Book of Erotic Art offers a valuable and informative survey of erotic art, presenting a wide array of cultural perspectives and artistic expressions. While the limited color illustrations and attribution issues may be minor drawbacks, the collection’s engaging content and positive portrayal of human intimacy make it a compelling addition to any art lover’s library.