Patrick Vanhoucke on Instagram: "Today I visited one of the lesser-known, but certainly no less interesting museums in the Brussels Capital Region. The Museum of Erotics and Mythology of Brussels was founded in March 2012 by doctor Guy Martens (°1945, Hasselt) as a private foundation. The son and grandson of doctors of medicine, Martens received medical training, but also took several courses in antiques and art history. The purchase in 1962 (at the age of 17) of a small Japanese erotic netsuke (an ivory button fastener belonging to a kimono) marked the beginning of what has since become a collection of more than 800 objects. In a charming 18th-century house, located at the Sablon, you will discover the captivating history of erotic art from Antiquity to the present day. Taking pictures is not allowed in the museum. Nevertheless, I permit myself to share with you three photos of objects that will give you an impression of the collection’s diversity. Let this be an encouragement to visit the museum yourself. (1) Terracotta tablet representing the ancient Egyptian deities and household protectors Bes (male) and Beset (female). Ptolemaic Kingdom, 305-30 BCE. Floor -1, showcase A (archaeology Babylon - Egypt - Greco-Roman) nr. 5. (2) Tintinnabulum (‘little bell’ in Medieval Latin). Pompeian, 1st century CE. Object featuring a figure straddling a phallus, a sign of abundance and prosperity. Originally equipped with bells, it was hung at the entrance of shops. Floor -1, showcase A (archaeology Babylon - Egypt - Greco-Roman) nr. 21. (3) Couple of lesbians embracing. Ivory work Dieppois, 20th century. Floor -1, showcase F (European ivory work) nr. 6. #erotisme #erotiek #erotics #eroticism #erotica #museeerotisme #erotiekmuseum #eroticsmuseum"

2 likes, 0 comments - librarianbe on August 19, 2023: "Today I visited one of the lesser-known, but certainly no less interesting museums in the Brussel..."