The Masculine Physique

Gotta love this cover photo. Rare 1935 issue of The Masculine Physique (only 3000 copies printed). Act fast. You can still bid on it at eBay.

Spartan of Hollywood, Eric Pedersen 50s Muscle God

The perfect combination of photographer (dare I say artist?) and model. Spartan of Hollywood presents Eric Pedersen in all his chiseled glory in this amazing set of 12 vintage photos from the early 1950s.

For once the classical allusions don't seem silly. Somehow they serve to enhance the overall impact. And these photos with their superb lighting effects, have nothing if not impact.

Act fast: you can bid for them on eBay now with Paper-werks. Auction ends Jun-02-09 18:17:52 PDT

Man Debriefing

This anonymous physique photo blurs the line between professional and amateur. The lighting suggests that it was shot by a pro, but it could have been taken in somebody's living room, with drapes in the background and the striped towel laid on the floor.

The model is absorbed in thought. Is he pulling his shorts on, or off? Is that sweat, or has his lithe body been lightly oiled?

A very sexy image, what with the hint of chest hair and pubic hair, those big muscular legs and the outline of his basket. Works for me.

The Posing Strap: Vintage Muscle Men Video

Really enjoyed this video tribute to the posing strap. Great vintage photos and the Pet Shop Boys "Go West" soundtrack. Did you know that Bob Mizer's mother made the posing straps for his models? Five minutes of posing strap trivia and fun for the whole family.

This one's pretty cool too, "Sequence #31 in The Masculine Physique Series," looks like 1952. No soundtrack but it's more than a collection of still photos. Two very sexy guys strolling and posing in the dunes.

Vern Front and Back

Meet Vern. He posed for these two photos sometime between 1920 and 1924. Remove the tapestry backdrop and the front view shows a guy you might have seen the other day at Gold's Gym. He's got a big toothy grin and a little spark in his eye.

Vern stands before the camera with ease and confidence. Wearing what appears to be white boxers with a little drawstring, he's obviously proud of his body. These pictures were taken to document his accomplishments in physical culture.

By today's overblown, self-conscious, airbrushed standards he seems pretty "normal." Maybe that's what's so appealing about him.

These two real photo postcards were saved for over 80 years before one of Vern's descendants decided it was time to auction them off.

Don't know how he would have felt about that but we'll try to make sure he finds a good home.