First published in 1986 to wide critical acclaim, The Sexual Perspective was a ground breaking book, bringing together the work of artists who were gay/lesbian/queer/bisexual. For the first time painting, sculpture and photography which reflected the artist's sexual orientation was freely talked about and analysed, and placed within its artistic, social and historical context, challenging the conventional view that issues of sexual identity had no place within art. The Sexual Perspective traces the influence of Renaissance artists on later generations of artists; it also looks at the way photography was appropriated to express a range of sexual interests, and scrutinises the codes to convey feelings which could not be openly shown. Artists discussed include Duncan Grant, Ethel Walker, Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Robert Mapplethorpe, Harmony Hammond and Jody Pinto. Emmanuel Cooper's broad approach includes the discussion of the lives of artists to illuminate their work, particularly in the view of social and legal constraints. Other themes include the limitations of representation and the role of art in defining and shaping attitudes.
Since the publication of The Sexual Perspective , two significant developments have taken place. In an original chapter, illustrated with new pictures, Cooper discusses increased Lesbian visibility within the visual arts, and the thoughtful response to the AIDS epidemic. Cooper writes clearly and entertainingly about art, sexuality and gender. Lavishly illustrated, often rarely seen images, the author's text is a vital contribution to current debates about art, gender, identity and sexuality.