to be found archaeologically at this time. Differences from antique art Augustine Carracci's The Aretin or Collection of Erotic Postures has various points of deviation from classical literature, erotica, mythology and art which suggest its classical learning is lightly worn, and make clear its actual modern setting: The male sexual partners' large penises (though not Priapus's) are the artist's invention rather than a classical borrowing – the idealised penis in classical art was small, not large (large penises were seen as comic or fertility symbols, as for example on Priapus, as discussed above). The title 'Polyenus and Chryseis' pairs the fictional Polyenus with the actual mythological character Chryseis. The title 'Alcibiades and Glycera' pairs two historical figures from different periods – the 5th century BC Alcibiades and the 4th century BC Glycera Female satyrs did not occur in classical mythology, yet they appear twice in this work (in 'The Satyr and his wife' and 'The Cult of Priapus'). All the women and goddesses in this work (but most clearly its Venus Genetrix) have a hairless groin (like classical statuary of nude females) but also a clearly apparent vulva (unlike classical statuary). The modern furniture, e.g. The various stools and cushions used to support the participants or otherwise raise them into the right positions (e.g. here) The other sex aids (e.g. a whip, bottom right) The 16th-century beds, with ornate curtains, carvings, tasselled cushions, bedposts, etc. Engravings from Augustine Carracci's The Aretin or Collection of Erotic Postures The images in the table below are the engravings from Augustine Carracci's The Aretin or Collection of Erotic Postures. These engravings have inspired the creation of erotic art from other artists including Paul Avril. Cultural References The Restoration closet drama Farce of Sodom is set in "an antechamber hung with Aretine's postures." See also History of erotic depictions Homosexuality in ancient Greece Homosexuality in ancient Rome Sexuality in ancient Rome References Notes Talvacchia, Bette "Taking Positions: On the Erotic in Renaissance Culture" Princeton University Press 1999 Page: 250 isbn:978-0691026329 External links Selection of images in various versions 1524 books 1527 books Censored books Erotic art Erotic literature 19th-century prints Prints and drawings in the British Museum Renaissance prints Sex manuals 16th-century prints