Obscenity Collection

The Garden of Earthly Delights, c. 1500 (oil on panel)
XIR3425 The Garden of Earthly Delights, c.1500 (oil on panel) by Bosch, Hieronymus (c.1450-1516); 220x389 cm; Prado, Madrid, Spain; Netherlandish, out of copyright

Carving depicting the Judensau, c. 1440 (stone)
3609716 Carving depicting the Judensau, c.1440 (stone) by German School, (15th century); Stadtkirche St. Marien, Wittenberg, Germany; Bildarchiv Foto Marburg

Medieval punishment for obscenity (litho)
3104393 Medieval punishment for obscenity (litho) by German School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Medieval punishment for obscenity. A woman pilloried in the street)

The Devil and the Coquette, copy of an illustration from Der Ritter von Turm
STC202574 The Devil and the Coquette, copy of an illustration from Der Ritter von Turm, Augsburg 1498, used in a History of Magic

PROTEST, 1975. Women from Boston and West Virginia protesting obscene books and busing in Washington, D.C. Photograph, March 1975

THEATRE: SAPHO, 1900. Poster advertising Olga Nethersoles role in Sapho by Clyde Fitch. Nethersole and others were arrested in New York for violating public decency and found innocent

Vulgar graffiti in response to public notice: no parking or clamp

American actress. Mae West seated on a desk during the obscenity trial for her play, Sex, in 1928
MAE WEST (1892-1980). American actress. Mae West seated on a desk during the obscenity trial for her play, Sex, in 1928

AP (Alan Patrick) Herbert (1890-1971) British writer, humourist and politician. Member of Parliament for Oxford University (1935-1950)

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"Exploring the Depths of Obscenity: A Journey through Art and History" Step into a world where boundaries are shattered, inhibitions abandoned, and desires run wild. The Garden of Earthly Delights, painted between 1490-1500 by an unknown artist, beckons us with its enigmatic allure. This triptych masterpiece dares to challenge societal norms, delving deep into the realm of obscenity. In this captivating painting, we witness a surreal fusion of pleasure and sin. Erotic scenes intertwine with fantastical creatures in a kaleidoscope of colors that both mesmerize and shock. From lascivious acts to bizarre hybrid beings, every brushstroke seems to push the boundaries further. But obscenity is not limited to canvas alone; it transcends time and medium. Carvings depicting the Judensau from around 1440 reveal another facet of this controversial topic. Crafted in stone, these images depict Jews engaged in obscene acts - a testament to the bigotry prevalent during medieval times. As we journey deeper into history's dark corners, we encounter depictions such as "The Devil and the Coquette" or "The Demon of Vanity. " These illustrations from Der Ritter von Turm serve as cautionary tales against succumbing to temptation and vanity but also offer glimpses into society's fascination with forbidden desires. Even renowned artists like Francisco de Goya dared to explore obscenity through his series Los Caprichos. With biting satire and grotesque imagery, he exposed humanity's vices while challenging conventional morality. Obscenity has always been met with resistance throughout history too. In 1975, brave women from Boston and West Virginia took up arms against what they deemed obscene books - their protest highlighting society's ongoing struggle between freedom of expression and moral censorship. Returning once more to The Garden of Earthly Delights' intricate details reveals hidden narratives within its vast expanse. Amongst the chaos, we find glimpses of medieval punishment for obscenity.