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It has been a staple of the art world for centuries, but it appears auction houses are thinking twice about offering nudes to their clientele for fear of causing offence.
Dealers and auctioneers are having to be mindful of the works they show to collectors from newer Middle Eastern galleries and museums, who are unable to put explicit or realistic-looking nudes on their walls.
One expert, from Sotheby's auction house, said the emerging market of the Middle East meant it was now important to consider how offensive a nude painting is before offering it.
Speaking at the Hay Festival, senior director Philip Hook said the level of nudity in a painting is a "new factor" auction houses will consider, with some works just not "permissible" in certain areas.
A spokeswoman for Christie's confirmed they too were careful about the type of paintings offered to Middle Eastern collectors, respecting their religious and cultural beliefs. Read on and comment » | Hannah Furness, Arts Correspondent | Tuesday, May 27, 2014
