MALE NUDES + HOMOEROTIC ART
Thu, Oct 31, 2024 12:00PM EDT
Lot 144
Marc DeBauch (American, b. 1956 )
Estimate: $300 - $500
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $100 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,500 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $25,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
'Erotic Baptism.' 2005. Graphite on paper. Signed and dated on bottom left. 17 x 13".
In art history Christ is often depicted being baptized in the nude. Art historian Leo Steinberg, for example, used the term "ostentatio genitalium" to describe the recurrent depictions of Christ's genitals in Renaissance art. The baptism itself is often represented with a symbolic intimacy using a range of artistic devices. This is not to suggest that artists who use sexuality in Christian art have not taken significant risks. The division between the sacred and profane has throughout history been monitored and policed. Artist's like Botticelli, who feared the preacher and anti-cultural crusader Girolamo Savonarola (1452 - 1498) burned many of his own paintings. Contemporary artist's like Andres Serano ("Piss Christ," demagogue Senator Jesse Helms), Chris Ofili ("The Holy Virgin Mary,” assailant Mayor Rudolph Giuliani) have been attacked and in some cases artists have been driven to contemplate suicide (Judy Chicago and her piece "The Dinner Party"). Nevertheless, power structures continue to accomodate popular transgressions. Take for example, Michelangelo's "The Last Judgement" which shocked and angered powerful fifteenth century officials in the Catholic church. Michelangelo was vehemently attacked for depicting Jesus beardless, "in the manner of the Pagans," and for the three hundred naked male figures comprising the fresco. The Vatican official Biagio da Cesena was quoted as saying that Michelangelo’s "The Last Judgement" was disgraceful and shameful and “no work for a papal chapel but rather for the public baths and taverns.” The genitals in the fresco were painted over with fig leafs, drapery and foliage by order of Pope Paul III, however, many of these were removed during a 20th Century restoration, with the notable exception of the likeness of Biagio da Cesena whose penis was depicted in a snake's mouth. Nevertheless, many of the muscular male figures were returned to their original state. The fresco today is a popular and venerated Christian work of art.
In art history Christ is often depicted being baptized in the nude. Art historian Leo Steinberg, for example, used the term "ostentatio genitalium" to describe the recurrent depictions of Christ's genitals in Renaissance art. The baptism itself is often represented with a symbolic intimacy using a range of artistic devices. This is not to suggest that artists who use sexuality in Christian art have not taken significant risks. The division between the sacred and profane has throughout history been monitored and policed. Artist's like Botticelli, who feared the preacher and anti-cultural crusader Girolamo Savonarola (1452 - 1498) burned many of his own paintings. Contemporary artist's like Andres Serano ("Piss Christ," demagogue Senator Jesse Helms), Chris Ofili ("The Holy Virgin Mary,” assailant Mayor Rudolph Giuliani) have been attacked and in some cases artists have been driven to contemplate suicide (Judy Chicago and her piece "The Dinner Party"). Nevertheless, power structures continue to accomodate popular transgressions. Take for example, Michelangelo's "The Last Judgement" which shocked and angered powerful fifteenth century officials in the Catholic church. Michelangelo was vehemently attacked for depicting Jesus beardless, "in the manner of the Pagans," and for the three hundred naked male figures comprising the fresco. The Vatican official Biagio da Cesena was quoted as saying that Michelangelo’s "The Last Judgement" was disgraceful and shameful and “no work for a papal chapel but rather for the public baths and taverns.” The genitals in the fresco were painted over with fig leafs, drapery and foliage by order of Pope Paul III, however, many of these were removed during a 20th Century restoration, with the notable exception of the likeness of Biagio da Cesena whose penis was depicted in a snake's mouth. Nevertheless, many of the muscular male figures were returned to their original state. The fresco today is a popular and venerated Christian work of art.