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
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