Sexual Identity Collection (#5)

Leda and the swan (oil on canvas)
YOU4419171 Leda and the swan (oil on canvas) by Moreau, Gustave (1826-98); Musee Gustave Moreau, Paris, France; (add.info.: Leda, in Greek mythology)

Silver chastity belt (engraving)
7201598 Silver chastity belt (engraving) by French School, (16th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Silver chastity belt from the Musee de Cluny, Paris, France)

Lust and seduction (engraving)
7201576 Lust and seduction (engraving) by European School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Lust and seduction)

Woman, jester and a coat of arms (colour litho)
7201522 Woman, jester and a coat of arms (colour litho) by German School, (15th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Woman, jester and a coat of arms)

Husband pretending to be asleep while his wife is in bed with her lover (woodcut)
7201497 Husband pretending to be asleep while his wife is in bed with her lover (woodcut) by German School, (15th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Punishment of an adulterous couple (woodcut)
7201494 Punishment of an adulterous couple (woodcut) by German School, (15th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Punishment of an adulterous couple)

Mating animals (copper engraving)
7201466 Mating animals (copper engraving) by European School, (16th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mating animals)

Musicians playing as a man assaults a woman (woodcut)
7201457 Musicians playing as a man assaults a woman (woodcut) by German School, (16th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Musicians playing as a man assaults a woman)

A Varsity Trick, Smuggling In (colour litho)
7193282 A Varsity Trick, Smuggling In (colour litho) by Rowlandson, Thomas (1756-1827) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Varsity Trick, Smuggling In)

Leda (colour litho)
2802030 Leda (colour litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Leda. Illustration for Le Livre D Amour (Boulanger, c 1890).); © Look and Learn

Leda and the Swan, c. 1512-13 (panel)
ALI288915 Leda and the Swan, c.1512-13 (panel) by Pontormo, Jacopo (1494-1557); Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Mademoiselle Dehelly as Leda in Le Cygne (coloured photo)
978039 Mademoiselle Dehelly as Leda in Le Cygne (coloured photo) by French Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mademoiselle Dehelly as Leda in Le Cygne (The Swan)

Sexual identity crisis. Conceptual computer artwork of a combined male and female symbol on the abdomen of a naked woman

Female identity, conceptual image

For sale as Licensed Images

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"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.