One of the most basic skills practiced in all degree level Art Education courses is Life Drawing. Historically, it may have been merely drawing from statues, as was the case for women, until the late 1800s after they petitioned to be allowed to draw from the "live" model.
It is therefore no surprise that many artists continue to use the male and female form as inspiration.
These works can be merely analytical or intended to be erotic. Each generation pushes the artistic boundaries, as happens in other forms of art.
It is obvious though the analytic has the potential to be erotic. To some extent, the difference is in the eye of the beholder. And sometimes, the artist's intention is somewhat clearer.
Study of a male Nude - Life Drawing No 639
Ian McKay
Financial Time Nude 2 (newspaper art)
Juan Sly
Sometimes, the subject matter is just an excuse to make a very decorative artwork and sometimes the emotions are more raw.
Waiting For You
Alexandra Grashion-Cowley
Either way, artists will continue to use the human form to portray an ever increasing variety of decorative and emotional messages.
Young Nude Woman On A Red Background
Lada Kholosho
In fact, the best examples of this genre are a magic mix of analytical, decorative and erotic.