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Advertising: First instance of sex
Intimations of auto-eroticism in the first recorded instance of sex in advertising. A woodcut published in 1491.
In one view, Eve tempting Adam is the first case of sex in advertising, though perhaps this is
not normally what
we think of by the phrase. Another candidate for the title is a woodcut produced in 1491 by a
Belgian publisher
to promote a new translation of "Histoire de la Belle Melusine" by Jean d'Arras.
The woodcut may be regarded
as the first known illustrated advertising poster. Melusine's breasts are exposed (she is
bathing), and there is some
suggestion of auto-eroticism in the position of her right hand. The text beneath the illustration
reads-"A beautiful,
pleasing, and most marvellous story of a lady named Melusine, of her ancestors and
descendants, and the
wonderful and devout works and deeds they wrought and performed. Lately translated from
the French into
Flemish and adorned with fine personages and scenes as the text demands. This story, as well
as a great number
of other new books, can be purchased at the price written hereunder. "