Here in Paris, in my quest to study traces of erotica in the arts and literature, I was very pleased to view the enthralling exhibition, Hell at the Library, Eros in Secret.  The exhibition wasn’t as intriguing as watching the reactions of its various patrons, and I saw people from all ages viewing the works in either a rushed manner, or pausing to reflect and realize just how forbidden it was to previously create or to document erotica.  Various pieces of literature only have a first name listed, or a number of spaces to indicate a length of a name.  It is a mystery how these works were even acquired.

From a historic viewpoint, the definition of what was considered beautiful, erotic, and forbidden has changed over time.  The patron’s reactions of revulsion over a full-bodied naked woman with her face shielded by a sheet indicated a lack of understanding.  To view a woman, completely naked, even in sexual congress was rare.  Religion was the center of social order and sexual desire was deemed to be the gateway to hell. 

For the viewers who understood the social taboos, there seemed to be a feeling of reverence that was embodied in this collection that had migrated its way into the bowels of the Bibliothèque nationale de France.  This collection is rarely displayed, so if you are in Paris through before the 22nd of March, it is certainly worth a visit.

Another recommendation is the Paris Museum of Erotic Art, located in the 18th district infamous for its famed cafes and bordellos of a more Libertine era.  Over 2000 forms of erotica from all over the world are on display across seven floors. Here I was more impressed by the quality of the collections on display.  Everything from business cards of Madames, to police citations for visitations of salons are on display and is a much starker collection of ancient works.  Some of the temporary exhibits come from private collections, thematic, and contemporary artists. The works of Libertine Alexandre Dupouy are being featured through to the 27th of March.

Perhaps we will always be left wondering what the limits of erotica will be as society changes…

Illustration courtesy of A. Vargas