The Sexual Perspective: Homosexuality and Art in the Last 100 Years in the West

by Emmanuel Cooper

Book Overview

First published in 1986 to wide critical accalaim, The Sexual Perspective broke new ground by bringing together and discussing the painting, sculpture and photography of artist who were lesbian/gay/queer/bisexual. The lavishingly and seductively illustrated new edition examines the increased lesbian visibility within the visual arts as well as artists' responses to the AIDS epidemic. Emmanuel Cooper places the art in its artistic, social and legal...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0710209029
• ISBN13: 9780710209023
• Release Date: November 1986
• Publisher: Routledge & Kegan Paul Books
• Length: 344 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A bit dry, but well-researched

This is a history of homosexuality in western art for last 100 years, according to the subtitle. Fortunately, it doesn't strictly stick to that limit because the first chapter also covers such Renaissance masters as Caravaggio and Michelango. The text I found rather academic and dry,and was disappointed that none of the illustrations (except the very fetching front cover and another on the back) are in color however there are a great number of them and some are graphic. I certainly learned a lot from this book, being a self-taught artist and never having studied formally, however I wish the writing had been a bit more lively.

As far as text books go...!

If you're ever going to buy a book just for the pictures, look no further. Not only does "The Sexual Perspective" provide an open and thorough history of homoerotic art of the last few centuries, but it continues to fascinate the reader with alternative views of conventional and popular art. As for the pictures, it's certainly not porn, but I'd advise you to keep it on the top shelf of the bookcase. This is not for grade-school eyes. As far as textbook-style reads go, it's definitely a keeper.