Playboy Italian Edition: October 1976 Classe Del 1965 Pictorial Of Eva Ionesco

At the time of publication, that meant Eva was 11 years old. For American readers, this is almost impossible to comprehend. In 1976, the US Playboy had just published its 22nd anniversary issue with a nude Darine Stern; the idea of featuring an 11-year-old would have resulted in immediate federal prosecution. But in parts of continental Europe, the artistic defense (“It is not pornography; it is art”) still held legal sway.

, an autobiographical drama that explores the complex and troubled relationship with her mother during the years these photographs were taken. The film served as a way for her to reclaim her narrative and highlight the ethical failures of the industry at that time.

Prompted significant debate over editorial responsibility and child welfare.

Unlike many of the surreal, gothic imagery captured by her mother, Irina Ionesco, the photographs featured in the October 1976 Playboy Italian edition were taken by the prominent French photographer .