Indecency Collection

A Duet, pub. 1792 (hand coloured engraving)
3025380 A Duet, pub. 1792 (hand coloured engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info.: Thomas Vanhagen; Turn Fair Clora, turn, ah cruel)

Measuring bathing suits, c. 1922 (b / w photo)
872445 Measuring bathing suits, c.1922 (b/w photo) by American Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; American, out of copyright

Sarah Brown, a Parisian beauty, in a dress that started a riot, 1893 (b / w photo)
3099714 Sarah Brown, a Parisian beauty, in a dress that started a riot, 1893 (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sarah Brown, a Parisian beauty)

Lady Godivas Rout - or - Peeping Tom Spying out Pope Joan
BAL42843 Lady Godivas Rout - or - Peeping Tom Spying out Pope Joan, 1796 (hand-coloured engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); O Shea Gallery, London

A Duet: Turn Fair Clora, turn, ah cruel, turn again
NCO191752 A Duet: Turn Fair Clora, turn, ah cruel, turn again published by Hannah Humphrey in 1792 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray

Indecency, 1799 (hand-coloured engraving)
2562163 Indecency, 1799 (hand-coloured engraving) by Cruikshank, Isaac (1756-1811); Private Collection; (add.info.: What are you staring at? ); The Stapleton Collection; Scottish, out of copyright

Wife Catches Husband Sexually Assaulting Assault
Wife catches husband sexually assaulting house maid. After a mid-19th century work by J.H. Morrien

Priest Clergyman Leers Leering Young Woman Girl
A priest leers as a young woman makes her confession. After a 19th century work by Claude Regnier

Mulier impudica Galleria Giustiniana del Marchese Vincenzo Giustiniani I (series title), Statue of a woman holding her dress up

The Way to Work, 1926. Artist: Buchholz, Fyodor Fyodorovich (1857-1942)
The Way to Work, 1926. From a private collection

Who litigates must be shameless, patient and rich, Hendrick Goltzius, 1597

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"Indecency Through the Ages: A Captivating Journey into Taboo" Step back in time with us as we explore the concept through a collection of intriguing historical moments captured in art and photography. First, we encounter "A Duet, " a hand-coloured engraving from 1792 that portrays an intimate scene between two lovers. The delicate brushstrokes hint at a forbidden connection, challenging societal norms of the era. Fast forward to 1922, where we find ourselves witnessing the controversy surrounding bathing suits. In a black and white photograph titled "Measuring Bathing Suits, " women's bodies are scrutinized for modesty, sparking debates on what is considered appropriate attire for public display. The year is now 1893 when Sarah Brown dons a dress that ignites chaos on Parisian streets. This captivating black and white photo captures her audacious fashion choice, which caused such outrage that it led to riots – proof that even clothing can challenge social boundaries. Intriguingly titled "Lady Godivas Rout - or - Peeping Tom Spying out Pope Joan, " this artwork transports us to an ancient tale of scandalous curiosity. It reminds us how voyeurism has long been intertwined with notions throughout history. Returning to the realm of romance, "A Duet: Turn Fair Clora, turn, ah cruel, turn again" enchants our senses with its poetic portrayal of unrequited love. The image evokes emotions tied to longing and desire while questioning society's expectations regarding fidelity and propriety. Moving forward once more to 1799 brings us face-to-face with another hand-coloured engraving aptly named "Indecency. " Its vivid hues depict scenes deemed scandalous during those times – reminding us how perceptions evolve over centuries but remain deeply rooted in cultural context. Stepping into the early 19th century through an oil painting called "Guardsman Higgins, " we witness the allure of forbidden attractions.