I was at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Buenos Aires) where they had special exhibition called "La Seduccion Fatal" featuring older erotic art/paintings. While they didn’t have a book about the exhibit, this was the featured book. Since I didn’t know anything on this subject, I decided to give it a try. Written in English, French, and German, this book showcases photos from the 1920’s to modern times. Models are of all sizes and shapes, partially clothed or nude; admittedly I wish I can un-see some of them. Photographers from around the world contributed the text providing their perspective on this art form. The photo that amused me the most is titled “Exit Emergency” – with a nude flight attendant in heels, a pill box hat, and white gloves doing the emergency speech – perhaps because I fly often.

I didn’t have any expectations so my rating is simply on it being a reasonable introduction. These quotes below form a good education on this subject.

On this genre:
“The Line between erotic and pornographic.
Erotic – mysterious and fascinating;
Pornographic – direct, vulgar and boring.”

Alethea Austin – On the connection between models and photographer:
“…In my work there is a deep connection and relationship between the subject matter and the photographer. There is an inherent display of emotion, lust and sadness that goes both ways. Probably because I am a girl and from the same place (Midwest). They connect with me in a way they wouldn’t with a male photographer.”

Bruno Bisang – On femininity and sensuality:
“Every woman possess a fount of femininity and unique sensuality. I try to reveal a woman’s eroticism without lapsing into vulgarity. There is a fine line between the two, but expressing and preserving the visible trace of this splendor is my passion and my motivation.”

Lisa Boyle – On models:
“I don’t care how beautiful you are, if there is nothing behind the eyes, it just doesn’t work for me. I need a model who knows her body and brings her personality!...”

Ludovic Goubet – On the effects:
“I think that erotic art should make you want to love the person you see, whereas porno makes you want to fuck. Erotic photography can be pornography, but pornography is seldom erotic.” ( )