Most of the erotic illustrations of the time could be purchased in what were called public houses. The most famous was the eminent house of Madame Gourdan, who was nicknamed "the little countess."
Hers was an establishment frequented by the best of Paris society, including the clergy. These illustrations were often the work of eminent, respected illustrators, such as Grevelot who was known for his illustrations of the complete works of Shakespeare.
