Capri Fisherman 1885

This beautiful portrait of a Capri Fisherman was taken by Von Pluschow in 1885.

 

Wilhelm von Pluschow

Wilhelm von Pluschow's photography is often overshadowed by his better known younger cousin Wilhelm von Gloeden.  Both worked in Italy, often with what we now consider underage male models.  Von Gloeden was more prolific, but both had talent.  Today is Von Pluschow day.  Our first photo is of a man who posed for several photos in various poses with palm fronds.

 

Doorway

Von Pluschow did more than a few photos in doorways.

 

Recline

This one would have been more impressive were it full length.

 

Bearded Man

I'm including this just so you know that Wilhelm von Pluschow

didn't just take photos of naked young men.

 

Leopard

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Chemistry

I sense some developing chemistry between these two.

 

Lanky

The model is more on the lanky side than usual for this photographer.

 

Pipe

The pipe as the only prop is unusually simple for Von Pluschow's work.

 

Rocky area

This is from a group of photos taken by Von Pluschow in an area

of rocky cliffs, overhangs, and caves.

 

Potted plants

Our closing photo by Wilhelm von Pluschow is a young man with a group of potted plants.

 

Not French

At first glance, I thought, "This one has to be French."  Well, I was wrong.

Turns out to be a Von Pluschow photo of an Italian.

 

Vincenzo Galdi Day

Vincenzo Galdi (1871-1961) was an art student turned model turned photographer who had Wilhelm von Pluschow as either his mentor, his lover, or both, depending on whom you want to believe.  The two von Pluschow photos above and below are dated at 1890 when he was 19, but the older photographer took more than a few while the young Galdi was under age.  The remainder in this series are by Galdi himself with one questionable at the end.  For an interesting take on this man's potboiler of a life, visit the wiki at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincenzo_Galdi

 

Von Pluschow

Today's series features the work of Von Gloeden's cousin Von Pluschow.  We start with a model whom you might be tempted to think is the famous "Il Serpente."  Well, he isn't, but come close.

 

Reclining

The model in this reclining pose is staring right at the camera.

 

Palms

Von Pluschow made two versions of this photo with the same model.

The palm fronds are arranged differently in the other.

 

Classical pipes

Von Pluschow provides us with a Classical motif and some classic good looks in this one.

 

Hand and face tan

The tanned face and hands make me think that this model worked outdoors fully clothed.  That would be routine in Northern France, Germany, or Britain, but in Italy?  It puzzles me.

 

Repeat Model

This model appears in other Von Pluschow photos in differing settings.

Perhaps he was one the photographer's favorites.

 

Gallery Item

This photo appeared at one time in the Galerie David Guiraud of Paris.

I believe they have since sold it to a private collector.