Roger Schall (1904–1995) was a French photographer who, in the early 1930s, captured images for Diana Slip, a daring Parisian lingerie brand. His elegant photographs emphasize fabric and form, blending commercial documentation with an artistic touch. This showcases a unique era in Parisian fashion photography before World War II disrupted the scene. Continue reading Diana slip – Roger Schall
Sensual self-portraiture has evolved from 19th-century daring experiments into a profound medium for personal expression and self-acceptance. Pioneers like Virginia Oldoïni and Pierre Molinier challenged societal norms, transforming photography into a tool for agency and emotional exploration. This genre continues to foster self-discovery and empowerment in modern times. Continue reading Pioneers of Sensual Self-Portraiture
Before 1930, erotic spanking films were extremely rare, consisting mainly of short, silent French stag reels produced clandestinely in Paris during the 1920s. The most notable survivor is The School of Spanking (c. 1925), featuring playful schoolgirl and group spanking scenes. Earlier examples (1890s–1910s) were comedic novelty shorts with light punishment gags, not true fetish erotica. These fragile films mark the dawn of specialized corporal punishment cinema. Continue reading Pre-1930 Spanking and Fetish Films
Der Flagellantismus als literarisches Motiv (Flagellantism as a Literary Motif) is a pioneering, multi‑volume study by German author, occultist, and early sexologist Ernst Schertel (1884‑1958). Issued in four volumes between 1929 and 1932 by Schertel’s own Parthenon Verlag in Leipzig. The work stands as one of the most thorough early scholarly investigations of flagellation, specifically the erotic excitement generated by whipping or being whipped, as a recurring theme … Continue reading Flagellantismus als literarisches Motiv
Man Ray was actively photographing from 1918 until shortly before his death in 1976, spanning nearly 60 years. He began seriously in 1918 by documenting his own artwork in New York, innovated with rayographs in 1922 after moving to Paris, and produced his most iconic Surrealist and experimental works (including bondage-themed series) in the late 1920s and early 1930s. He continued commercial portraiture, fashion photography, and experiments through the 1940s–1970s in Hollywood and back in Paris, though his peak creative output was in the interwar period (1920s–1930s). Continue reading Man Ray
The history of artificial sexual aids dates back to prehistoric times, with the oldest dildos found in Germany. Ancient Greeks and Romans used phallic objects, while the first true sex machines emerged in the 18th century, disguised as medical devices for treating “hysteria.” Vibrators began with steam-powered models like The Manipulator in 1880, leading to electric versions by the early 1900s. Today, historical devices are preserved in museums, reflecting their evolution. Continue reading History of Sex Machines
The “Kiss my Fanny” tradition in pétanque involves losers of a 13-0 match playfully kissing the buttocks of a symbolic figure named Fanny—a light-hearted ritual of humiliation rooted in French boules culture. Originating from 19th-20th century legends of a kind waitress offering consolation, it features statues, paintings, and figurines in clubs across France. Continue reading Kiss my Fanny
William Seabrook (1884–1945), occult journalist and BDSM pioneer, ritualized bondage as mystical ecstasy among Surrealists. He commissioned Man Ray’s 1930 Fantasies series, featuring Lee Miller collared by Maison Worth. The infamous 1929 Paris staircase incident chained a submissive for voyeuristic photos. His transcendent sadism legacy persists despite tragic suicide. Continue reading William Seabrook: The Occult Sadist
Henri Oltramare (1878–1953) was a renowned photographer from Geneva, celebrated for his artistic nudes during the Belle Époque. His work, characterized by exquisite printing and dramatic lighting, balanced art and taboo. Recently, previously unknown Orientalist prints have emerged, enhancing his legacy and importance in early fetish photography. Continue reading Hentri Oltramare
Lucette Desmoulins, a prominent figure in 1930s Paris, transitioned from humble origins to become a celebrated actress and model known for her roles in film and theater. Engaging with the risqué work of Biederer Studio, she balanced glamour and desire, leaving a legacy of elegance that continues to inspire discussions about her artistry and influence. Continue reading Lucette, the Enigmatic Muse
Carlo Mollino, a 20th-century Italian architect, produced a remarkable collection of private Polaroids depicting women in luxurious settings, expressing both elegance and submission. His work blends Surrealism and contemporary kink, capturing a nuanced power exchange. Celebrated posthumously, Mollino’s art reveals deeper themes of intimacy and eroticism, remaining influential today. Continue reading Carlo Mollino: Architect of Secret Desires
William Mortensen (1897–1965) was the bad boy of 1920s–1930s photography: theatrical, grotesque, openly sadomasochistic tableaux while the rest of the world preached “pure” straight photography. Hated by Ansel Adams, got erased from history, yet his dark, perfectly-lit bondage and occult images secretly fathered modern fetish and horror aesthetics. Continue reading William Mortensen
