#fig leaf

A type of pureblood human: Stosser, formed by physical culture. L'art de créer le pur-sang humain. 1908.

This week's featured article is the humble fig leaf. The term originates from the practice in Western art history of using a fig leaf shape to conceal genitalia, and whether a literal leaf or a conveniently placed emoji, the "modesty panel" has always been a staple in fanart to hide nudity or erotic content.

In fandom, adding fig leaves to art was particularly popular in fanzines! Some zine artists added removable covers so fans could read in public without embarrassment. Others satirised the idea of needing fig leaves entirely — several zines from the 1970s included fig leaf cut-outs for prudish readers to add to fanart themselves!

As you might expect, fans have gotten creative with what they use to preserve characters' modesty — check out the ways fans have used fig leaves in their art on Fanlore!

-----