Magazine Week, Day 2- La Culture Physique

Jointly founded by Professor Edmond Desbonnet and author/publisher Albert Surier, La Culture Physique was published from 1904 to 1967.  Today we will look at some photos and pages from the first five  years of its history, beginning with a cover featuring the great Eugen Sandow.  We will see Mr. Sandow again later in today's set.  LCP never showed full frontal nudity, but they did show derriere shots regularly.  Their latter years were not nearly as open as the early in terms of nudity.

 

Octave Paquit

Although the image quality isn't the best, I really like this photo

of Octave Paquit, amateur wrestling champion of France.

 

Louis Haider

Here we have Louis Haider and his Kaiser Bill mustache.

I'm sure he lost it after 1914.

 

Montmartre

Where's the beef?  Montmartre, that's where.

These beautiful burlies are the men of the Montmartre Athletic Society.

Their motto should have been "We're sexy, and we know it."

 

Eugen Sandow II

As promised, here is a different and very special view of Eugen Sandow.

 

Launceston Elliot

Scottish champion strongman Lanceston Elliott appeared in both front and rear views.

 

Art

La Culture Physique didn't often feature art work, but when they did, it was interesting.

Perhaps surprisingly, most early issues included tourism infomation.

 

A. Lutz

I wish I could find more photos of A. Lutz.

 

Auguste Pernet

Well known athlete Auguste Pernet shows off his well built glutes here.

Oh, and his back is also worth mentioning.

 

Hans Schwarz

Classical scuptural references were common in the early years of La Culture Physique.

Although the caption and text don't mention it, we can see an Atlas influence 

in this photo of Hans Schwarz, a strong man with a big following.

This magazine is the only place I've ever seen this picture.

 

Richard Andrieu

Mr. Richard Andrieu won a medal for his hard work and physical development.

His pride shines through in this beautiful photograph, and I can't think 

of a better way to conclude our La Culture Physique series.