An Introduction

At its best, Erotic Art is one of the most direct manifestations of our response to the life force. It is a celebration of our most fundamental and enjoyable instincts: a celebration which can enhance the experience of those fortunate enough to have access to it.

This genre of art is the only surviving area of man's creativity in which objects of exceptional power and beauty have been secreted away - for diverse cultural reasons - from the scrutiny of the vast majority of people. It has an earthy candour not often found in other, more formal artistic categories such as portraiture or still-life: it can give us a valuable insight into the sexual politics of the day or afford access to the secret world of an artist's innermost thoughts.

Only if contemporary artists of talent are encouraged will our culture leave a legacy of erotic art for future generations to enjoy.

. . . . . . . ."James Maclean, formerly of Sotheby's, is a leading expert on erotic art.