Fresco from brothel at Pompeii
1st & 2nd Century A.D. A Revolution in Conceptions of Sexuality
• Two intellectual influences: 1) Pagan philosophers (e.g. Stoics, Neo-Platonists) 2) Early Christian writers
St. Jerrome (from Leonardo DaVinci)
St. Paul (from Vatican Sculpture)
1st & 2nd Century A.D. A Revolution in Conceptions of Sexuality
• Two basic themes that run throughout Judeo-Christian teachings about sex: 1) main purpose of sex is to procreate 2) sexual inequality of women & men
Some Developments of the 12th & 13th Centuries
• Roman Catholic Priests forbidden to marry • Marriage declared indissoluble • Vigorous repression of all forms of sexual, moral & religious deviance
16th Century
• Concept of “Holy Matrimony” begins to take status marital relationships are to be based upon mutual love
1609- Galleleo constructs his first telescope
Galleleo suggests that the Earth is not the center of the solar system. It is just another planet.
18th Century
Currents• A relaxation of sexual prohibitions especially in Protestant countries • Most women in England were pregnant at the time of marriage • Increase in Pornography • Homosexuality was more visible
18th Century
Counter-currents • Anti-masturbation hysteria • Prudery
• Fanatical fear of masturbation • View of women: sexless, domesticated, childbearing machines "The Cult of Domesticity" is the prevailing theme in the
19th Century
19th Century
• Elaborate Pornography
Franz von Bayros