1000 Nudes. A History of Erotic Photography from 1839-1939

The intrigue surrounding nude photography is as old as the medium itself, reflecting humanity's long-standing fascination with the human form. This art form, uniquely persistent across more than 150 years of photographic history, spans every era and movement, uniting photographers, theorists, and audiences alike. No other subject pervades various techniques and aesthetic movements as thoroughly as the nude, offering an expansive array of interpretations—from anthropological studies of the human body to today’s glamour photography and pin-up culture. This genre has simultaneously sparked immense desire and provoked societal censure more than any other."1000 Nudes" provides a comprehensive exploration of this captivating genre, tracking its evolution from the earliest nude daguerreotypes and ethnographic photographs to avant-garde experiments. The collection captures a century of work, dating from 1839 to around 1939, an era that saw the growth of the medium from its infancy to the height of modernism. The book celebrates a diverse spectrum of styles, from the meticulously crafted artistic nudes of the early 20th century, steeped in theoretical discourse, to "obscene" postcards, devoid of artistic ambition but designed to entice potential buyers.All images featured in this publication are sourced from the esteemed collection of the late Uwe Scheid, regarded as one of the most significant repositories of erotic photography worldwide.