Neoclassical Nude

Girl on a fountain (1845) by the French painter Paul Delaroche (1797-1856). The whole arrangement and the artificial pose of the girl is part of a neoclassical composition, which was typical for the time.

Egyptian Legend

Tahoser (1886) by the French painter Gaston Bussière (1862-1929).

According to legend Tahoser was the great priest's daughter and had a passionate love story with the Pharaoh.

Oriental Nude

An oriental girl by the American artist Frederick Arthur Bridgman (1847-1928). Bridgman went in 1866 to Paris and became a pupil of Jean-Léon Gérôme. Later he made a trip to Egypt and became a well known Orientalist painter.

Indian Girls

Two Nautch Girls a sketch by the American painter Edwin Lord Weeks (1849-1903). Weeks was a student of Jean-Léon Gérôme and made several journeys to India. In my humble opinion he is one of the greatest Orientalist painters.

A modern Sphinx

Iris by the great Norman Lindsay (1879-1969). She looks like a modern Sphinx asking her riddles.

Diana Surprised

Diana surprised by the French painter Jules Joseph Lefebvre (1836-1911). A typical classical subject which for Lefebvre was so famous in the salon.

Beautiful Slaves

At the Well by the French painter Adrien Henri Tanoux (1865-1923). Tanoux was a well known Orientalist painter but I doubt that he ever saw a scene like this.

A Legendary Couple

Cleopatra and Anthony (1902) by the great American Illustrator Joseph Christian Leyendecker (1874-1951). This is also a very typical Art Nouveau illustration and much more erotic than Leyendecker did normally.

Greek Priestess

Priestess (1893) by the British painter John William Godward (1861–1922). One of the sweet girlies that Godward sold with great success as ancient priestesses.

Dying Amazon

Dying Amazon (1905) by the German painter Franz von Stuck (1863-1928). A great Art Nouveau painting, more ornament and color than realistic image. Nevertheless a very erotic piece of art.

Harem Bather

After the Bath (1889) by the French painter Pierre-Louis Bouchard (1831-1889). In my humble opinion one of the hottest odalisques of the 19th century.

Sappho

The famous Greek poetess Sappho short before her death-leap from the white cliff. A dark erotic painting by the French artist Charles-August Mengin (1853-1933), who was a student of Alexandre Cabanel.