Charles Hirlemann (xix-xx) - Couple Entangled On A Sofa

Charles Hirlemann (XIX-XX)
Couple entangled on a sofa
Signed and titled
Watercolour on paper
Inner dimensions 25 x 15 cm
Frame dimensions 40 x 30 x 2 cm
Frame in lilac velours

This early 20th century watercolour is a naughty scene depicting love and desire in a delicate manner. The dark tones of the background on the right side of the watercolour gently pushes the viewer to image on the foreground: a rather spicy scene with two nude persons entangled on the sofa. In a lavish interior filled with warm-toned silk and velours, the softness and intimacy of the event is translated in both the fabrics as well as the gentle embrace of the two lovers.

A provocative subtitle written by the artist, however, gives us a better idea of the actual amorous play: “La vierge palpitante etait la dominatrice” or “the quivering virgin was the dominatrix”. A newly gained sensation that demanded more, and gave way to a newly acquired powerful role… According to American feminist writer and activist Audre Lorde, “the erotic is a measure between the beginnings of our sense of self and the chaos of our strongest feelings. It is an internal sense of satisfaction to which, once we have experienced it, we know we can aspire." Eroticism can thus be soft, powerful and liberating all at once.

Charles Hirlemann, a French painter and illustrator, was born at the end of the 19th century. Hirlemann was active in the first half of the 20th century as a painter and illustrator. Not much is known of him. However, As a publishing illustrator, his name appeared in the newspaper Pèle-Mêle in 1913, and he was mentioned again in a book in 1947.