The Kinsey Institute art and library collections contain thousands of examples of erotic imagery produced over centuries by artists around the world. Secret Impressions presents a selection of lithographs, engravings, etchings and woodblock prints from the mid-19th century and earlier. These artworks from France, England, Italy, Germany, Holland, and Japan illustrate the means by which pornographic and erotic images were mass produced before the invention of the camera. Wealthy collectors could commission paintings, but others could purchase prints at a lower cost. Once photography was invented in the 1830s, it quickly became a popular medium for depictions of the nude figure, as well as erotic imagery. The first photographic process to become widespread was the daguerreotype, which produced a unique image. With the invention of a process that used a negative to make multiple photographs, the mass production of erotic images became possible. Hold That Pose features daguerreotypes, tintypes, albumen and gelatin silver prints, stereocards, and other examples of photographic processes that were used in the 19th century by professional photographers to produce and distribute erotic material.
The Kinsey Institute is open to visitors from 1:30 to 5:00 pm weekdays or at other times during office hours by appointment only. Admission is free. Due to adult content, visitors should be 18 years of age or older, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. To schedule a group guided tour of The Kinsey Institute, please call 812-855-7686.