These two portfolios, clearly by the same hand and from the same era, were kept together in an untitled blank folder for many decades before coming to auction in 2000. We have given the combined offering the title indicated by the plaque on the door of Madame Blanche’s Establishment for Girls and Young Women.

The subject is of course a fantasy brothel, complete with whips and dildos, with plenty of training opportunities for the girls and rewards for the male habitués.

The amateur artist clearly had some training in watercolours, as the backgrounds are quite competent; the detailed drawing, however, and especially the eyes, really could have done with more tuition.