Today I am posting twelve photos by Paul Richer which show the same handsome model in a variety of positions. My source says that the pictures were used as studies for a sculpture that was likely used as an anatomical instructional aid. I've posted a couple of these before, but I think it is worth posting the entirety of my collection. If anyone has any others, please let me know. We start with an image which drew a lot of positive comments when previously posted.
Great to see these Jerry. A useful anatomical teaching tool. Excellent vascular development. Great hands..
ReplyDeleteI knew you would get a kick out of these, David.
DeleteAwesome post! Many thoughts here…was there more between model and Richer? Where is the subtle line between study and erotic? Who decides the intent and purpose? Fascinated by all this. bns
ReplyDeleteMr. Richer was widely repected as a consummate professional, so I doubt that there was anything more than a business relationship. While we may find some of these images erotic, I can say with certainty that was not the intent. The effect, however, is entirely up to the viewers' perception.
DeleteRicher's work is still important, that goes without saying. I would love to know more about his model though. Was he an athlete or a working laborer? A very handsome fellow.
ReplyDeleteBy most accounts, Mr. Richer's models were athletes, but that doesn't necessarily mean this fellow was one. In a couple of the images, his legs look tanned, something we see in photos of cyclists. That might just be the light or his body hair showing up more one time than another. I just spent a very pleasant 15 minutes scrolling through my entire collection of Richer athlete photos, and our guy was not there. Oh, well.
DeleteI find these images fascinating. They reveal a physique that looks strikingly different from today's fitness and modeling standards. Back then, modern bodybuilding did not exist. Muscle was built through manual labor, gymnastics, calisthenics, or basic weight training. The model's physique represents a completely natural, low-body-fat human body without modern enhancement. Comparing him to a contemporary 2026 male model highlights a massive shift in ouruu cultural ideals. Today’s male fitness models are characterized by broad, square shoulders, an aggressively tapered "V-shape" waist, highly volumized pectorals and thick, rounded arms. Compare this to the late 19th century, when the physical ideal was heavily influenced by classical Greek and Roman sculptures. The focus was on symmetry, agility, and a lean, functional frame rather than massive muscle volume. This man would have been considered an example of peak physical health and athletic conditioning.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you say, Thomas, and would only add that I prefer by far the ideal we see in the photos I posted today.
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