Apr Daily

Eros in Engravings: The Sensual Artistry of Georg Emmanuel Opiz, Alleged Pupil of Casanova

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by

Tooth

Georg Emmanuel Opiz (1775–1841), a German painter and lithographer, is the focus of our exploration, his artistic endeavors signed with the pseudonym “Bohemus.” One of his most renowned creations is the lithograph collection titled “Cossacks in Paris” (1814). Beyond his visual artistry, Opiz is also believed to have authored nearly thirty works of erotic literature.

Fig. 1. Georg Opiz, The Glutton, (Wikipedia.org)

From the Early Years to Becoming a Genre Artist

Georg Opiz was born into the family of Johann Ferdinand Opiz, a taxman who, interestingly, was not only a writer but also corresponded with the famed adventurer Giacomo Casanova. Initially pursuing a legal education, Georg shifted his focus in 1793 by relocating to Dresden and enrolling at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts. His mentor during this period was Giovanni Battista Casanova, the younger brother of Giacomo.

Upon completing his studies, Opiz ventured to Karlsbad, where he sustained himself by painting affluent tourists. Over the next seven years, he traversed between Hamburg, Bremen, and Vienna, capturing the vibrant street life of these cities and establishing himself as a genre artist. In 1805, Opiz settled in Leipzig with his wife, concentrating predominantly on producing portrait miniatures. Following the Napoleonic wars, he spent time in Paris before returning to Leipzig, where he contributed to the magazine Urania, published by Brockhaus.

Notably, Opiz’s talents extended beyond visual arts; he was also a writer specializing in romantic novels and historical narratives. His multifaceted career showcased a rich blend of artistic and literary pursuits.

 

Fig. 2. The Drunkard, (Wikipedia.org)

 

Fig. 3. Cheerful dinner party (pinterest.com)

 

Faire l’amour à la Cosaque

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In the aftermath of the Sixth Coalition’s victory in 1814, Opiz made his way to occupied Paris to capture the eclectic ambiance of a city shaped by diverse cultures and languages. His lithographs, published in 1819, vividly portray the distinctive presence of Russian Cossacks, donned in their unique uniforms, as the most exotic spectacle for Parisians, particularly capturing the attention of the female population.

The amorous inclinations of this military community found expression in the French idiom “faire l’amour à la cosaque” (“to make love in a Cossack’s way,” signifying a swift encounter). Opiz’s lithographs depict Cossacks strolling through the streets of Paris alongside local women, bathing their horses in the Seine, exploring the Louvre, and engaging with caricatures of themselves. Through these visual narratives, Opiz skillfully captures the intriguing interactions between the Cossacks and the vibrant backdrop of post-war Parisian life.

 

Fig. 4. Russian officers and a Cossack with a Parisian woman (Wikipedia.org)

 

Fig. 5. Cossacks accompanied by women (Wikipedia.org)

 

Fig. 6. Cossacks bathing their horses in the Seine (Wikipedia.org)

 

Fig. 7. Cossacks visiting Louvre (Wikipedia.org)

 

Fig. 8. Cossacks watching caricatures (Wikipedia.org)

 

eгotіс Set Attributed to Opiz

The sensually charged artworks associated with Opiz bear a striking resemblance to those created by Achille Deveria and Peter Fendi. Notably, pieces featuring copulating acrobats and dancers (fig. 11, 12) may also be attributed to the latter artist. An intriguing image depicting inquisitive children with a shocked tutor behind the door (fig. 13) draws parallels to Martin van Maële’s “La grande danse macabre des vifs,” where youthful exploration of sexuality takes center stage.

While the collection of attributed images does not include potential depictions of “l’amour à la cosaque,” which could serve as indirect evidence of Opiz’s authorship, his Parisian lithographs hint at an erotic tension, particularly in scenes portraying Cossacks in the company of women. Surprisingly absent are portrayals of bathing affairs, a theme one might anticipate given Opiz’s time in Karlsbad; nonetheless, this cheerful, postcard-like series has been ascribed to him.

A noteworthy aspect of the attributed series is its whimsical titles (Le déjeuner; Vive la Différence, etc.). However, the origin of these titles remains uncertain—whether bestowed by the artist or added later by another individual. In sum, Opiz could very well have been the creator of these joyfully provocative drawings, given his indirect association with Giacomo Casanova.

 

Fig. 9. The deɩᴜɡe (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 10. Vive la Differance (blogspot.com)

Fig. 11. The dancing pair (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 12. Acrobatic рeгfoгmапсe and excited сгowd in the background (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 13. Exploring kids and a tutor (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 14. Lesbian scene with peeping Tom (artnet.com)

 

Fig. 15. Observing the vulva (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 16. Double рeпetгаtіoп (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 17. Two males watching a lesbian scene and preparing to eпсoᴜпteг (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 18. The Ironing (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 19. The threesome with a vicar engaged in a homosexual act while penetrating a woman (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 20. The scene with peeping Tom (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 21. Man preparing to penetrate a sleeping woman (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 22. Aroused man watching a sleeping woman (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 23. The couple with a woman looking at the viewer (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 24. An embraced couple close to a climax. Woman’s eyes are half-closed (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 25. Blind Man’s Buff (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 26. The Sense of Smell (blogspot.com)

Fig. 27. Woman аѕѕіѕtѕ copulating lovers (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 28. Urinating woman puts a condom on male genitalia (artnet.com)

 

Fig. 29. Aroused woman watching a copulating pair (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 30. Threesome with a man and two women (blogspot.com)

 

Fig. 31. Man copulating with a woman while she is breastfeeding the urinating toddler (blogspot.com)