History

These images of parlor games from a 1853 book provide adequate proof of repressed sexuality. Complete with inappropriate touching, provocative poses, sensual symbolism and all manners of frivolity. Astonishingly, the book’s subtitle states that it comprises “explanations of the most approved games for the social circle.” One fears to imagine what less approved games existed, [...]

Carnival on the island of Java, late 19th century. Characters with over-sized heads are common on many festive occasions of this sort, but it must be especially challenging to ride horses with the center of gravity so strangely misplaced.

This is an illustration from Histoire des Papes, crimes, meurtres, empoisonnements, parricides, adultères, incestes, depuis Saint Pierre jusqu’à Grégoire XVI (circa 1844). The story of a woman who pretended to be a map and thus achieving the highest position in Catholicism appears to be fictitious. Curious stuff, nonetheless.