Gustav Klimt (1862-1918). "The Mistake - Lucian of Samosata (The Mimes of the Courtesans Lucian )." Collotype on laid paper. Year: 1907. Edition: 367/450 Printer: Leipzig: Julius Zeitler, 1907. Sight Size: 8 1/8 x 11 inches. Sheet Size: 11 1/2 x 14 1/2 inches. Framed dimensions: c. 20 x 24 inches. Die Hetaerengespraeche des Lukian. Additional Notes: Klimt's fluid, erotic illustrations were selected by him from a series of studies he had undertaken in preparation of his two celebrated "Water Serpents" paintings, 1904-1907 Hayn-Got. IV, 294. Gustav Klimt's 1907 publication of his illustrated edition of Lucian's ancient work Dialogues of the Courtesans was the first time he exhibited his erotic art to the public, and it led to his denouncement by censors disturbed by the work's graphic content. Living at the height of the Roman Empire, the audience Lucian wrote for was hardly shocked by these short dialogues of the Greek hetaerae. However, two millenia of ensuing prudery made it impossible to acknowledge this part of the Lucian corpus, a set of humorous vignettes set in the context of the 'oldest profession,' let alone translate it into a vernacular language. These comedic sketches are timeless: working girls competing for clients, dishing gossip and candid tips of the trade, men trying to keep their girls' attention with expensive gifts. It also portrays the dark side of the hetaera's life: out-of-control parties, blowhard men, and putting up with rough treatment by clients. Notably lacking is one modern reality. The hetaerae of Lucian are not constantly wondering whether their next client is going flash a badge and haul them off to jail. Sex workers in antiquity were another just legal occupation, like the butcher, the baker and the sandal maker. At that time, pagan temples throughout the eastern Mediterranean had sacred prostitutes, and patronizing them was considered a sanctified act. The hetearae actually had a lot more freedom than other women in Greek society, particularly the sequestered wives. This artwork is accompanied by a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity and is Guaranteed as described.