Dix sujets aimables dans le goût antique (Ten Pleasing Subjects in the Antique Style) was André Lambert’s first, and possibly most explicit, portfolio of erotic engravings. He is clearly experimenting, with excellent results, the technique he had perfected of using a bright but limited palette, with clean lines and impeccable composition.

This very small edition, published under the typically classical pseudonym of Remigius Eques (Remegius the Knight) with a short introduction by ‘Le Chevalier Rémy’ (Lambert’s French alter ego), comprises subjects with the titles:
     La naissance de Vénus (The Birth of Venus)
     Hommage à Priape (Homage to Priapus)
     Fellatio
     La marchande d’amours (The Merchant of Love)
     69
     La roue de l’amour (The Wheel of Love)
     Brune et blonde (Brunette and Blonde, with a reference to Pierre Louÿs’ Bilitis)
     Negro
     L’amour astronome (Astronomical Love)
     Timides essais (Shy Attempts)

Dix sujets aimables was privately published in an edition of just 110 numbered copies, with the deliberately enigmatic imprint ‘Se trouve à Cythère et ne se vend nulle part’ (found in Kythera but not to be sold anywhere).

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.