Skip to main content

Sexual Identity Collection (#2)

"Exploring the Spectrum of Sexual Identity: A Journey through Art and History" In a world where often misunderstood or stigmatized

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Leda and the swan, late 2nd century AD (marble)

Leda and the swan, late 2nd century AD (marble)
7146648 Leda and the swan, late 2nd century AD (marble) by Roman, (2nd century); Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Tuscany, Italy; (add.info.: Leda and the swan, late 2nd century AD, roman art)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Le tentazioni di santo Antonio, 1878, Domenico Morelli (painting)

Le tentazioni di santo Antonio, 1878, Domenico Morelli (painting)
7063003 Le tentazioni di santo Antonio, 1878, Domenico Morelli (painting) by Morelli, Domenico (1826-1901); Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Rome, Lazio

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Ganymede and the eagle, 1st/2nd century AD (marble)

Ganymede and the eagle, 1st/2nd century AD (marble)
7146679 Ganymede and the eagle, 1st/2nd century AD (marble) by Roman, (2nd century); Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Tuscany, Italy; (add.info.: Ganymede and the eagle, 1st/2nd century AD)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Charger, c. 1750 (porcelain)

Charger, c. 1750 (porcelain)
XOS5878252 Charger, c. 1750 (porcelain) by Chinese School (18th century); Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: China, Chinese Export)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Woman being fitted for protective armour against unwanted advances (coloured engraving)

Woman being fitted for protective armour against unwanted advances (coloured engraving)
7186225 Woman being fitted for protective armour against unwanted advances (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: The End of Lust (pen and ink)

The End of Lust (pen and ink)
7186252 The End of Lust (pen and ink) by Vogel, Hugo (1855-1934) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The End of Lust)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Lovers (woodcut)

Lovers (woodcut)
7186161 Lovers (woodcut) by Leyden, Lucas van (c.1494-1533) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Lovers. Illustration from Bilder-Lexicon Literatur und Kunst (Verlag fur Kulturforschung)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Arabian dancing girl (watercolour)

Arabian dancing girl (watercolour)
7186155 Arabian dancing girl (watercolour) by Schutz, Erich (1886-1937); Private Collection; (add.info.: Arabian dancing girl)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: As if She Was Alive, 1855 (colour litho)

As if She Was Alive, 1855 (colour litho)
7186124 As if She Was Alive, 1855 (colour litho) by Detouche, Laurent (1815-82); Private Collection; (add.info.: As if She Was Alive, 1855)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Teasing nymph (colour litho)

Teasing nymph (colour litho)
7186142 Teasing nymph (colour litho) by Kleophrades Painter (Epiktetos II) (fl.500-475 BC); Private Collection; (add.info.: Teasing nymph, ancient Greek red-figure vase painting)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: The Sin of Onan (oil painting)

The Sin of Onan (oil painting)
7186189 The Sin of Onan (oil painting) by Italian School, (17th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Sin of Onan)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Longing Dreams (pastel)

Longing Dreams (pastel)
7186188 Longing Dreams (pastel) by Guillaume, Albert (1873-1942); Private Collection; (add.info.: Longing Dreams. Illustration from Bilder-Lexicon Sexualwissenschaft (Verlag fur Kulturforschung)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Leda and the swan - from a 15th century illumination

Leda and the swan - from a 15th century illumination
LSE4088863 Leda and the swan - from a 15th century illumination by French School, (15th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Leda and the swan - from a 15th century illumination)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Caricature depicting King Henry III of France as a homosexual monster (engraving)

Caricature depicting King Henry III of France as a homosexual monster (engraving)
7186160 Caricature depicting King Henry III of France as a homosexual monster (engraving) by French School, (16th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Punishment of infidelity (engraving)

Punishment of infidelity (engraving)
7186167 Punishment of infidelity (engraving) by Italian School, (16th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Punishment of infidelity)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: A maid dish (colour litho)

A maid dish (colour litho)
7151033 A maid dish (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Comic postcard on a food related theme. Early 20th century. Signed; GAS.); © Look and Learn

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: The awakening, woman with a mirror (colour litho)

The awakening, woman with a mirror (colour litho)
7150431 The awakening, woman with a mirror (colour litho) by Carrier-Belleuse, Pierre (1851-1933); Private Collection; (add.info.: The awakening, woman with a mirror)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Use of female nudity in eye-catching adverts (colour litho)

Use of female nudity in eye-catching adverts (colour litho)
7186290 Use of female nudity in eye-catching adverts (colour litho) by Gareis, Fritz (1872-1925); Private Collection; (add.info.: Use of female nudity in eye-catching adverts)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: A lady and a nun arguing over a dildo in a parlour, 18th century, 1911 (engraving)

A lady and a nun arguing over a dildo in a parlour, 18th century, 1911 (engraving)
7234382 A lady and a nun arguing over a dildo in a parlour, 18th century, 1911 (engraving) by Borel, Antoine (1743-1810) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: A gentleman kneels before a monk in a library, 18th century. 1911 (engraving)

A gentleman kneels before a monk in a library, 18th century. 1911 (engraving)
7234827 A gentleman kneels before a monk in a library, 18th century. 1911 (engraving) by Borel, Antoine (1743-1810) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Anatomical drawing of the sexual act (engraving)

Anatomical drawing of the sexual act (engraving)
7201481 Anatomical drawing of the sexual act (engraving) by Vinci, Leonardo da (1452-1519) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Anatomical drawing of the sexual act)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Deformed woman of Prague, 1596 (engraving)

Deformed woman of Prague, 1596 (engraving)
7186268 Deformed woman of Prague, 1596 (engraving) by Austrian School, (16th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Deformed woman of Prague, 1596)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: A Young Man Choosing Love of Beauty Rather Than Riches (engraving)

A Young Man Choosing Love of Beauty Rather Than Riches (engraving)
7186138 A Young Man Choosing Love of Beauty Rather Than Riches (engraving) by Goltzius, Hendrik (1558-1617) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: The Fig Leaf (woodcut)

The Fig Leaf (woodcut)
7186136 The Fig Leaf (woodcut) by Greiner, Daniel (1872-1943); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Fig Leaf. Illustration from Bilder-Lexicon Kulturgeschichte (Verlag fur Kulturforschung)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Duck and mash (colour litho)

Duck and mash (colour litho)
7151031 Duck and mash (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Comic postcard on a food related theme. Early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: A monk exposing himself to maids in a bedroom, 18th century. 1911 (engraving)

A monk exposing himself to maids in a bedroom, 18th century. 1911 (engraving)
7234387 A monk exposing himself to maids in a bedroom, 18th century. 1911 (engraving) by Borel, Antoine (1743-1810) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Romantic couple having a picnic (colour litho)

Romantic couple having a picnic (colour litho)
7151028 Romantic couple having a picnic (colour litho) by Maurice, Reg (fl.c.1900-30); Private Collection; (add.info.: Comic postcard on a food related theme)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Man discovering a couple having sex (engraving)

Man discovering a couple having sex (engraving)
7201499 Man discovering a couple having sex (engraving) by German School, (17th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Man discovering a couple having sex)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Oscars Valentine, caricature of Oscar Wilde (litho)

Oscars Valentine, caricature of Oscar Wilde (litho)
7186253 Oscars Valentine, caricature of Oscar Wilde (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Oscars Valentine, caricature of Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde)

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Leda and the Swan (stone) (b / w photo)

Leda and the Swan (stone) (b / w photo)
ALI267123 Leda and the Swan (stone) (b/w photo) by Greco-Roman; Palazzo Ducale, Venice, Italy; Alinari

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: The birth of Helene and Pollux, the union of Leda and the swan (marble)

The birth of Helene and Pollux, the union of Leda and the swan (marble)
LRI4699801 The birth of Helene and Pollux, the union of Leda and the swan (marble) by Schiaffino, Bernardo (1678-1725); Musei di Strada Nuova, Palazzo Rosso, Genova, Liguria

Background imageSexual Identity Collection: Cameo of Leda and the Swan (agate)

Cameo of Leda and the Swan (agate)
XIR434180 Cameo of Leda and the Swan (agate) by Italian School, (16th century); Palazzo Pitti, Florence, Italy




For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"Exploring the Spectrum of Sexual Identity: A Journey through Art and History" In a world where often misunderstood or stigmatized, art has long served as a powerful medium to express diverse experiences. From ancient sculptures like Leda of the "Naples Uffizi" type and Ganymede and the eagle, to more recent paintings such as Domenico Morelli's "Le tentazioni di santo Antonio, " these masterpieces offer glimpses into different facets of human sexuality. The marble depiction of Leda and the swan from the late 2nd century AD raises questions about desire, consent, and power dynamics. Similarly, Henry Havelock Ellis' oil painting from the mid-late 1890s challenges societal norms by exploring themes of same-sex attraction in an era when it was largely taboo. Even everyday objects like porcelain chargers can hold hidden meanings related to sexual identity. The c. 1750 charger showcases intricate designs that hint at eroticism beneath its delicate surface. Woodcuts such as "The Student Lovers" and "The Girlfriends" provide snapshots into intimate relationships between individuals who may have faced societal judgment for their love. These prints remind us that love knows no boundaries or gender restrictions. Ancient Greek mythology introduces us to Priapus, an ancient fertility god whose woodcut representation reflects society's fascination with sexuality throughout history. Meanwhile, lithographs like "Lovers on horseback" capture moments of passion without conforming to traditional notions of romance or heterosexuality. This artwork encourages viewers to embrace diversity in all forms. However, not all depictions are celebratory; some artworks reflect the struggles faced by marginalized communities due to their sexual identities. For instance, a colored engraving portrays a woman being fitted for protective armor against unwanted advances—a reminder that consent should always be respected regardless of one's orientation or gender expression.