Erotic Art from the Bertholet Collection at Sotheby's
/The Gardens of Pleasure – Erotic Art from the Bertholet Collection offers an intimate glimpse into one of the world’s most renowned collections of Chinese erotic art. Curated by Ferdinand M. Bertholet, a passionate connoisseur, this selection spans over 40 years of careful acquisition, showcasing nearly 20 exquisite works. As Bertholet himself explains, “All of these pieces come from a world which no longer exists; they were created with love and care, each telling its own unique story. They bring the past to life and enrich the human experience.”
Erotic art in ancient China was not merely about physical pleasure but was deeply intertwined with concepts of health, vigor, and balance between man and nature. Sexual harmony was regarded as essential, and for affluent individuals, there was a high degree of sexual freedom, with concubinage and polygamy often accepted. This openness to various sexual expressions fostered a rich artistic tradition that flourished particularly in the late Ming dynasty.
The exhibition draws us into the private lives of those in the ancient Middle Kingdom, portraying eroticism in all its facets. From explicit depictions of lovemaking to elegant representations of domestic life, each piece reveals a distinct aspect of the period's beauty, intimacy, and fantasy. Particularly striking is the portrayal of gardens—spaces of leisure and indulgence for the upper classes, but also settings for erotic encounters, where nature and human desire intertwine.
One notable highlight is the Gardens of Pleasure album, formerly in the collection of C.T. Loo. This set of eight paintings, rendered with meticulous detail, is attributed to a court painter of the Qing Imperial Academy. The depictions offer a window into the social dynamics of the late Ming dynasty, portraying an imperial setting through the subtle interplay of figures, fashion, and symbolic motifs.
The exhibition also features a complete album of ten paintings by Wang Sheng, a Suzhou master active in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. His Love Poems series captures the elegance and grace of intimate moments in lush garden settings, blending technical precision with bold artistry. This rare album, signed by the artist, is an exceptional example of early Chinese erotic art, offering a rare glimpse into the genre at its highest level of craftsmanship.
The Gardens of Pleasure – Erotic Art from the Bertholet Collection is a rare chance to explore the artistic mastery behind erotic art, a genre often overshadowed by its provocative subject matter. Through these masterpieces, Bertholet’s collection challenges us to appreciate the beauty and depth of a distant heritage, allowing us to reflect on the enduring connection between art, nature, and human desire. > Read More
