Franz von (Choisy Le Conin) Bayros Paintings

Franz von Bayros, also known by the pseudonym Choisy le Conin, was an Austrian commercial artist, illustrator, and painter, best known for his controversial and erotic illustrations. Born in Zagreb on May 28, 1866, as the Marquis Franz von Bayros, he came from an old aristocratic family from the Kingdom of Dalmatia. His talent for drawing was evident from an early age, and he pursued his passion for art by studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, where he was influenced by the Art Nouveau movement and artists such as Gustav Klimt.

Bayros' work is characterized by an elaborate and decorative style, frequently combining eroticism with a whimsical, sometimes macabre sense of humor. He gained notoriety in 1904 with his portfolio 'Erzählungen vom Toilettentisch' ('Tales from the Dressing Table'), which was considered scandalous at the time for its explicit sexual imagery. His illustrations often depicted high society settings, where he satirized the decadence and moral decline of the aristocracy through his risqué and often explicit subject matter.

Throughout his career, Bayros worked for various magazines and produced illustrations for books, including classical literature and contemporary works. However, his erotic illustrations led to legal troubles, and in 1911, he was tried in Munich and his work was banned. Despite this, he continued to produce art that pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in society.

Bayros traveled extensively throughout Europe, living in various cities, including Munich, Vienna, and Paris. He was part of the artistic bohemian circles of his time and had associations with other controversial figures, such as the Marquis de Sade, whose writings influenced some of Bayros' work.

He continued to produce artwork until his death in Vienna on April 3, 1924. Although his work was often marginalized during his lifetime due to its erotic nature, Franz von Bayros is now recognized as an important figure in the Art Nouveau movement and for his contributions to the field of illustration. His works are collected and exhibited in various art institutions around the world, and they continue to be a subject of interest for their unique blend of elegance, eroticism, and social commentary.