Our last early example of nude male photography is a mystery to me, despite several
Google Images searches. I did, however, come up with an approximate date of 1850 based
on the style of his hair and beard. Also, note the device to hold is right arm steady.
Amazing! I had no idea male nudes were a subject of photography that long ago. But then, men were less ashamed of being male back then.
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that nudes were shot beginning shortly after the advent of photography.
DeleteA truly stunning tache. Excellent physique. I suspect that he enjoyed this attention. A great series...
ReplyDeleteThanks, David!
DeleteI enjoy seeing vintage photos, and especially of naked men. When I see a photograph of a naked man, I often wonder what the photographer was thinking, such as if he had sexual interest in naked men, or if he just photographing them just because the photos would sell. Personally, I can't imagine anything other than the wonderful experience of seeing another man in full-frontal nakedness. Where a person might be reluctant to look at another man's penis in a shower situation, as a photographer he could gaze lots! Oh how wonderful!!!
ReplyDeleteMost of the male nudes made at this point in history were made for the purpose of reference studies for artists. That does not mean, however, that there was not a level of personal enjoyment for photographer, viewer, and perhaps even model. Your comment presents a worthy point of view.
DeleteLikely, he had a rack in behind him to hold his head/Torso steady (like in the seated Lincolnshire case.)
ReplyDeleteYes indeed, that was a standard procedure, and often they were clever about hiding the devices.
DeleteSeated Pres Lincoln
ReplyDelete