Madonna by Steven Meisel, 1992

A Sire Records promotional poster for the October 1992 release of Madonna's fifth studio album Erotica, a concept album about sex and romance, incorporating her alter ego Mistress Dita, inspired by actress Dita Parlo. The poster features the same sensual portrait as the album cover, shot by Steven Meisel. The album was released simultaneously with Madonna's controversial coffee table book Sex which, despite a media storm of negative criticism, remains the fastest selling coffee table book of all time. Lost in the backlash surrounding the book, Erotica failed to top the charts, despite generally positive critical reviews. Madonna would later claim that her biggest professional disappointment was the fact that my Erotica album was overlooked because of the whole thing with the Sex book. I think there's some brilliant songs on it and people didn't give it a chance. The album has since been considered one of the most influential and revolutionary albums of all time, with The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame declaring that few women artists, before or since Erotica, have been so outspoken about their fantasies and desires. Madonna made it clear that shame and sexuality are mutually exclusive. In the end, Erotica embraced and espoused pleasure, and kept Madonna at the forefront of pop's sexual revolution. Condition Very Good (B+) Unfolded, conservation backed on linen with no restoration. Creasing with some surface wear to right corners. A few minor tears at upper left edge, no longer than half an inch. Faint 11in. crease to linen across lower left corner. Image and colours otherwise excellent. Close full details Erotica US Promotional Poster Unfolded, backed on linen.