As far as we know, Odeurs de femmes (The Perfumes of Women) is the earliest book illustration commission completed by Klementieff. Privately published, the text is by one Jacques Dorival, almost certainly a pseudonym, the author of several similar erotic volumes including Confidences de la chair (Confidences of the Flesh), Bouton d’or (The Golden Button), and Le guide de caresses (no translation needed).

The six colour plates by Klementieff, signed ‘E.K.’, are perfect examples of his skill in composition and colour, as well as illustrating the subject matter of the text in a compelling and beautiful way. The ideal introduction to the various odours of the female body.

We are very grateful to Hans-Jürgen Döpp for these images; Hans-Jürgen, the compiler of many books on erotic art, curates the Venusberg online gallery and bookshop which you can find here.