Young Masculinity

Phil Hunter

Phil Hunter's shapely, slightly fleshy physique and rugged face seems the epitome of young sporting maleness. The slightly precarious pose (sadly I can't credit the photographer responsible) shows off the curves and bulk of his body extremely well. It also conveys a nice sense that he's here to do someone else's bidding . His pulled back arms and the brightly coloured costume emphasise the display of his his lower body area. You may have read elsewhere that he won't do full nudity and his slightly disgruntled facial expression here makes the irony of this provocative pose all the more delicious. This is a memorable picture that he may never equal in his modelling career, a worthy entry in my 15 minutes of fame gallery (see label below)

Olympic Wrestling

The sight of one man bodily lifting another using only his strength is one of the most thrilling of sporting moments. These two images show that Greco-Roman wrestling, not only has drama but also moments of unexpected grace and artistic beauty. The leotards help to capture the essential beauty of the human body without dimishing the masculinity of the wearer - at least they do as long as they fit well!

Overalls

Nick di Cristina aka Johnny V

photographed by Mark Henderson

Overalls are a very masculine garment and light blue always seems to showcase the male physique too for some reason. Add in sleeves rolled up just above the biceps and flyaway collar framing the neck and you've got a heady testosterone brew here even before Nick di Cristina's lusciously gym-honed muscles are revealed by his lowered zip.

In these mirror sun glasses, Nick bears a passing resemblance to Landon Conrad here. However, they are an incongruous accessory, projecting a sophistication and mystery which is quite at odds with the straightforward simplicity of the workman's garment. Great image though.

Forbidden Dreams

This image from Cosmo (1911) could have more than one interpretation but we know which one we prefer don't we? Regardless of that it's a beautiful image despite breaking conventional rules of composition by having the two facing in opposite directions which creates a sense of awkwardness as soon as you look at the picture. Appropriately so.

Admire the unmistakeable characterisation of worker and aesthete which works not just through their clothes and actions but their faces too in an astonishing way. In 1911 this would have implied a vast cultural chasm we can barely comprehend today, think of 'Maurice'. The glimpses of flesh with both men are amazingly erotic even in our age of endless nudity and you might think it would have been shocking back then - but probably only for those who had eyes to see. 

Wrapped in Celluloid

Wrapped in Celluloid (Photographer not known)

An interesting picture from more than one point of view.

The technical treatment given to the image has produced some delightfully soft contours around the models face. The interaction between him and the film strip and the cigarette are equally illusory but that doesn't detract from it's impact