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Stunning nude exhibition celebrates the erotic beauty of the naked female body in 20th century photographs

Visitors can see the work of photographers Helmut Newton and Carlo Mollino who focused on celebrating the female form

Becky Pemberton

Published: 17:25, 12 Apr 2017
Updated: 17:26, 12 Apr 2017

AN INTIMATE new exhibition has been launched celebrating the beauty of the naked female body.

The vintage collection showcases the erotic work of talented photographers Helmut Newton and Carlo Mollino, who set out to reveal the splendour of the nude form.

A stunning exhibition has launched celebrating the work of two photographers, one of which is Helmut Newton who took this shot in Paris in 1980 — A stunning exhibition has launched celebrating the work of two photographers, one of which is Helmut Newton who took this shot in Paris in 1980Credit: Helmut Newton

The other celebrated artist is Carlo Mollino, who captured this brunette model lounging on a chair back in the 1940s — The other celebrated artist is Carlo Mollino, who captured this brunette model lounging on a chair back in the 1940sCredit: Carlo Mollino

A nude model stretched on a bed can be seen in the Nights In White Satin exhibition, captured by Carlo — A nude model stretched on a bed can be seen in the Nights In White Satin exhibition, captured by CarloCredit: Carlo Mollino

Nights In White Satin features 18 vintage photographs of the women either posing nude or lounging in lingerie.

The tour takes visitors through a journey from the 1940s with Carlo’s free spirited work, to the 1980s, with modern amazons glorified by Helmut Newton.

The work of Carlo praises both the naked and the slightly clothed form, with two-near identical images with the same bed location being chosen for two shots.

In another intimate shot, Carlo uses the same model posing with nothing but her naked form — In another intimate shot, Carlo uses the same model posing with nothing but her naked formCredit: Carlo Mollino

Helmut's work has an erotic tone, with one of the images showing a woman with a lead around her neck crouching on the floor — Helmut's work has an erotic tone, with one of the images showing a woman with a lead around her neck crouching on the floorCredit: Helmut Newton

Lingerie can be seen on some of the lounging women, such as in this shot by Carlo — Lingerie can be seen on some of the lounging women, such as in this shot by CarloCredit: Carlo Mollino

Meanwhile Helmut Newton celebrates the erotic, with one of the images showing a woman with a lead around her neck in a submissive position.

The exhibition is being shown at the SAGE Paris gallery and will be running until May 6.

The description of the show says: “Through 18 vintage prints, SAGE Paris proposes a quick history of nude and of its evolution, from confidential images made in the 1940's Italy, to cold stylized shots, inspired by fashion photography in the 80's.

“Ingenuous or sassy, they offer their femininity to your gaze.”

Last month we shared black and white pictures of the naked performers who flouted 1950s nudity laws by standing completely still on stage.

And from more recent times, these are the celebs who’ve dared to pose totally naked on Instagram, from Kelly Brook covering her modesty with a pearl necklace to Britney in the buff.

Lavish jewellery and sensual undressing formed the focal point of this Helmut shot — Lavish jewellery and sensual undressing formed the focal point of this Helmut shotCredit: Helmut Newton

This brooding black and white shot was taken of model Elsa Peretti in a bunny costume in New York City in 1975 by Helmut — This brooding black and white shot was taken of model Elsa Peretti in a bunny costume in New York City in 1975 by HelmutCredit: Helmut Newton

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