Photo by Gediminas Žilinskas

Nudes! Bare skin, pornographic exploitation, perfection revealed. So many interpretations. In the thousands of years that flesh has been tasted, caressed, coveted; in the untold mediums and treatments, the innumerable depiction, we never cease appreciating an exquisite display of satin skin.

There are over 250,000 nude pictures on flickr. Choosing 12 was surprisingly simple. Though the forms seem endless, few have the sensual lines, the subtle composition, the dramatic essence that captures the eye and the mind. Few offer the sensual lights and darks, the shadows that reveal satin and silk textures of skin, the lilting curve that aches to be touched.

Why black and white? Is the classic media ingrained or is there inherent virtue in the shading?

Photo by drjamph

Photo by Groucho5

Photo by Lida Chaulet

Photo by Dottore alias Marcello

But doesn’t sepia work just as well? The black tones are just as striking. But perhaps the crispness differs. And male or female the sensuousness is palalable.

Photo by markomungo

Photo by Dorothea

Photo by La Salsera

Perhaps it is the hint of light, the cast of shadow, the touch of brightness on the curved contours, revealing the infinite variety and lithe beauty of the the exposed landscape of flesh. Nudes will continue to tantalize, tempt, and for some, torment in the still early morning hours.

Photo by ziliafoto