«My aim is to capture the human body
in an aesthetic and artistic way
through the camera.»
Eric von Schulthess
Artistic Nude Photography
Nude art has a long tradition that dates back to antiquity. To this day, the fascination with the naked human body remains unbroken in painting, sculpture, and photography. As an experienced photographer, Eric von Schulthess elevates aesthetic nude photography to a new level. Both in the studio and in natural settings, artistic works are created.
In art history, the nude is one of the oldest and most diverse genres. As early as ancient Egypt, Greece, and India, naked bodies were depicted as symbols of beauty, strength, or divinity. Especially in ancient Greece, the depiction of nudity gained great importance and became an essential part of sculpture.
In the Middle Ages, the individual took a back seat—religious themes dominated art. This changed with the onset of the Renaissance: the nude made a comeback. The study of the unclothed human body became a focal point in art academy training. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer stand out as notable figures.
The invention of photography in the 19th century also brought significant changes to the nude in art. This new technique allowed for realistic depictions to be created in much less time. The first daguerreotypes featuring erotic and nude depictions appeared around 1845 in Paris. These early nudes often served as templates for paintings, as working from photographs was considerably less expensive than hiring professional models. Photographers like Eugène Durieu and Bruno Braquehais were pioneers of nude photography and set standards for this genre.
In the following decades, nude photography evolved and found its place between art and erotica. Particularly in the 1920s, it gained new expressions within reformist movements like naturism. Photographers such as Gerhard Riebicke captured the freedom and naturalness of the naked body in a new way, distinct from traditional nude representation.
With advancements in photographic technology and artistic ambition, nude photography became increasingly popular and naturally found its way into the portfolios of renowned photographers like Helmut Newton. To this day, nude photography is a standard part of many artists’ repertoires.
Nude photography requires a deep understanding of light, form, and composition, as well as a trusting relationship between photographer and model. It is about capturing the beauty and aesthetics of the human body in an artistic context. While nude photography is often associated with erotic photography, it distinguishes itself through its clear artistic focus and respect for the person depicted.