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Monday, May 2, 2022

Hollywood Nudes - A Tribute to Fred Kovert

In 2000, noted physique photography collector, curator, and chronicler David Chapman published Hollywood Nudes: The Physique Photography of Fred Kovert.  He assembled some of Mr. Kovert's best work and wrote an excellent introduction.  Today I am paying tribute to Mr. Chapman's tribute to Fred, a performer and artist who committed suicide in 1949 after years of police harassment.  We'll start with a handsome unknown model from page 59 whom I've never seen before.  All but one of today's models are unknown to me, and any IDs will be gratefully acknowledged.  And finally, I want to thank David Chapman for not only this, but everything he has done to preserve the genre.

 

11 comments:

  1. This male is not slicked down with a massive coating of oil. I like it. Did Kovert have a preference for oil, or was it a sign of the times?

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    1. Well, oil was widely used by many photographers during Fred Kovert's career, so he was probably just following the trend that I believe was started by competitive bodybuilders. So yes, it was a sign of the times, but I would add that Mr. K. seems to have taken a particular liking to it.

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  2. Goodness, what a stunning and natural man.

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    1. When men were men. And a brave one at that.
      At that time, he could have fallen into a lot of trouble for that photo.
      He could have been straight or gay, it would not have mattered.

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  3. This is Roland Steiner. Handsome fellow, who has a lovely smile (when you see it!).

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  4. I'll send you my collection of Roland photos (67 at the moment).

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  5. Brian E and Vintage Muscle Men you both are Great! You both bring all of us so much insight and info, keep up the good work! Just think, most of this would have ended up forgotten and taking up space in a landfill.

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    1. How kind of you to say that. Thanks!

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    2. Thank you very much. I must say, though, that Jerry (this blog), James (Men From Back Then [Blogspot]) and Mike (Male Models Vintage Beefcake [Blogspot]) do much more to preserve the information regarding the models and photographers' backgrounds. We collectors are very much in their debt.

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