Erotic table supposedly delivered to Russian Czarina Catherine the Great, 18th century

Erotic table supposedly delivered to Russian Czarina Catherine the Great, 18th century
During the reign of the flamboyant and powerful Empress Catherine II of Russia, whose long rule led to the modernization of the Russian Empire, many urban legends arose, some false and others based on true events, concerning her sexual promiscuity.

Catherine had many lovers throughout her life, some of whom would reap political benefits from their relationship with her, and many of whom were significantly younger than her. In addition to her sexual relationships, her multiple illicit relationships with Russian royalty, a propensity to collect erotic furniture and an atmosphere of palace intrigue cultivated by her son Paul I of Russia, led to negative portrayals of Catherine.

Some called her the “Messalina of the Newa,” while others termed her a nymphomaniac. The rumors even extended into the circumstances surrounding her death; with one tale claiming she died while copulating with a horse, while she actually died from a stroke.

An erotic cabinet, ordered by Catherine the Great, seems to have been adjacent to her suite of rooms in Gatchina. The furniture was highly eccentric with tables that had large penises. Penises and vulvas were carved out on the furniture. The walls were covered in erotic art. Some erotic artifacts from Pompeii were even brought into Russia to augment this collection.There was also a statue of a naked woman and a naked man in the erotic cabinet.

I personally love this table...what can I say?!? Anatomy & Wood ;)

Photo source:
http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2017/erotic-passion-desire-l17322/lot.74.html

Article:
http://www.history.com/news/8-things-you-didnt-know-about-catherine-the-great
http://www.historyandwomen.com/2014/03/catherine-great-woman-of-legends.html

#history #eroticfurniture #CatherinetheGreat