Paul Avril - Erotic Artist #sex #art #erotic

A long time ago, I posted an article about Sappho, so it only seemed fair to move ahead in history to another equally talented artist, not a poet, but someone I consider a pioneer in erotic literature; a man who might be labeled the first erotic book cover artist. Born in Algiers on May 21 1843, French painter and commercial artist Édouard-Henri Avril also worked on a commission basis as an erotic literature illustrator under the pseudonym Paul Avril (strange as it is, this was his brother’s name). He studied art in Paris France, and between the years 1874 to 1878 he was at the École des Beaux Arts. 

His first illustration commission was Théophile Gautier’s novel Fortunio. After Fortunio he established a reputation for creating detailed and highly desirable works of art, thus he received numerous commissions to illustrate for both renowned authors as well as the so-called "galante literature" or erotic literature, which was popular in that era. Typically, erotic books were sold in small editions on a subscription basis, organized by collectors.

When it comes to art, I admit my knowledge is limited. I’m not up on all the technical terms, but I do know what I find appealing visually. I enjoy comic book artistry just as I enjoy the classics. Whether I frame a still life, or drawn image, my tastes vary. Over the years I’ve amassed a weird and wonderful, but also beautiful collection of art that is forever evolving as I discover new talent. Every piece is an individual with a designated spot to hang in my home. And, now I’ve found another artist to add to my collection. Avril was an amazing artist; the illustrations he put to paper are very personal, realistic, and unabashed in expression of the human anatomy, and humans as sexual beings. We are sexual creatures and Édouard-Henri Avril captured the essence of the sex act near to perfection.

There are many websites dedicated to displaying his art. 

Only a few of Avril’s works:

-       Charles and Fanny

-       Charles Plucks Fanny’s Virgin Flower

-       Fanny and the Sailor

-       Cunnilingus

-       Fanny Emboldens William

-       Fanny Whips Mr. Barville

-       Fanny’s Beauty Displayed

-       Fellatio

-       Fellatio 2

-       Hadrian and Antinous in Egypt

-       Male Masturbation

-       Louisa and the Lodger’s Son

-       Missionary Position

-       Rear Entry Position

-       Petting

Happy Yaoi Hunting!

Blak Rayne