Happy Valentines Day, everyone!
Today I will be doing a triple feature of three categories of old photos of male pairs. The first group is from the collection of two Dallas men whose pictures were evaluated by experts at the Smithsonian and strongly felt to be gay couples. A number of criteria were used, including inscriptions/notes, period symbolism, hand positions, body language, and expressions. The first image is a couple of farmers who were photographed together over a number of years. Their relationship is more evident in the later photos, but this is my favorite. They are simply beautiful.
Yes, aren't they splendid. Would they have lived a fairly hassle-free life in Texas at that time?
ReplyDeleteAt that time, probably. Later, not so much. My grandmother figured out I was gay before I did and told me about her favorite granduncle and his "special friend" who raised prized horses together on a small ranch. According to her, everyone liked them.
DeleteI find this photo really moving - everything about it shows such tenderness. Sad how times changed - male nudity abounded & gay couples could live their lives quietly for the most part. We're seeing another round of hysteria & hatred now unfortunately
DeleteA hauntingly beautiful photograph.
ReplyDeleteTo me, the man at left's expression says "I'm so happy," while the right one says "I'm so lucky."
DeleteGreat photo and truly wonderful series you've put together. I would love to see the 'more evident' photos of their relationship.
ReplyDeleteThank you! The quality of what I've seen of the others isn't as good, but I may post them in a future series.
DeleteThe look of contentment on their faces says it all. Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
DeleteI went into a bookstore today and saw this photo on the cover of a book called " Loving - A Photographic History of Men in Love 1850s to 1950s" . As a bonus, a different photo of them is on the back cover. Fans of this blog would enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know the book is in circulation.
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