These 1920s Erotic Photos Were Deemed "Too Sexy" For That Era

No matter what century, there's always appreciation and desire for the human body. The olden days were much more reserved and timid when it came to erotica, but there's no denying it existed in one form or another.

In the early 20th century, they came in the form of erotic postcards created by the French. These postcards show women in compromising positions with their stockings visible (shocking — our great grandmothers would faint).

Mashable gathered a few of these scandalous postcards. It really puts into perspective how much things have changed in almost 100 years:

1. We gotta admit, this one is more sweet and romantic than anything.

2. Okay, I guess this is when they start getting it on?

3. It's not JUST her stockings that are showing now.

4. He's just helping her keep her balance on the step-ladder, that's all.

5. Really. He's just helping with the step-ladder ...

All photos: Mashable

These "French postcards" were illegal to send in the U.S., but as with anything illegal, they were traded secretly in stores and by French street traders. And the photographers of these postcards were often professionals who'd use aliases to conceal their identity to avoid tarnishing their reputation. 

It's no doubt that modern day erotica would be scandalous back in 1920 — it would be an atrocity. But these seem pretty tame, at least today, considering that everything and anything is sexualized.