Throughout history spanking was used in books and newspapers, to set examples and hand out warnings to behave properly. Many of these illustrations were just single artworks, the artist only performed for that one opportunity (compared to artists who illustrated for several books).
When you love this subject be sure to visit Spanking Artworks, another free art blog run by me.

This image was used in a book about the history of corporal punishment in Russia, published in 1913
Flagellation of St Engracia, ca 1477
Females punished for theft, unknown date
From the book Les Mysteres du Peuple
Historical illustration