1950s Photographic Artwork Tattoo Figure

We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Dave Martin at his San Francisco apartment in the early 2000s. We had been collecting original male physique photography for decades, and found out about Mr. Martin’s amazing work after a coffee table book came out with his personal photography collection that finally allowed him the fame and accolades of his amazing body of work. Mr. Martin was a charming man with the most amazing and interesting stories, and we spent an entire afternoon with him. We got along so well, we ended up taking him to lunch, not knowing if we were going to be able to buy any of his work, surprisingly, after we went back to his apartment, and he offered many of his personal favorites to us all printed by Mr. Martin himself. The photographs had handwritten notes of photographs with details about their sports and interest. Mr. Martin was not only amazingly talented, he was a pioneer, that enabled future photographers decades after to continue this genre of photography which will always have it’s place in American History. He and others went through harassment, arrests, and even physical harm to produce and sell their photos. We hope you like these rare, original handprinted collectible photographs that are a part of the history of male physique photography by one of the pioneers that inspired, so many to this day. This is the first time these photographs have been offered for sale. 8 x 10 handprinted B & W photograph by Mr. Martin himself. Photograph printed and Matt paper with a 11 x 14 white acid free matt. Ready for framing. Please inquire if you would like image framed for gift giving. Model: the very handsome Craig Cunningham photographed in 1960. BIO: DAVE MARTIN Martin opened his studio in San Francisco in 1951. In the 1940s he met Lon Hannigan of New York who was at the time acknowledge to be the best photographer of the male male...

A rare early B & W orig photograph from Bruce Bellas. This tasteful nude is a horizontal image of a handsome blond male model. The verso has the early stamp with PO Box in Los Angele...

This attention grabbing photo depicts a strong nude man with his back turned to the camera. The subtle monotone colors make this phot bold yet tasteful. Acquired from a Palm Beach es...

Another original RARE studio stamped 8 x 10 black-and-white photograph by world, renowned photographer, Bruce Bellas AKA Bruce of L.A. we have sold many on 1st Dibs from our personal...

Photography by Miquel Arnal. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Material: Photographic paper. Hand signed by the...

An original iconic male physique photograph by legendary photographer Bruce Bellas aka Bruce of Los Angeles. Our collection (soon to be available on separate listings are all original (not copied from negative). This iconic image with a beach ball was one of the props that became synonymous with a Bruce Bellas photograph. Printed in the 1950s, the stamped images were printed when he was alive. They are the rare, sought after photographs prized by collectors of the genre. 8x 10 photograph, white matt, beautifully framed in classic black. Bio: An icon of gay art and one of the most famous names in physique photography, Bruce Bellas is remembered today as a pioneer of beefcake. Beginning in the 1940s and continuing until his death in 1974, Bellas photographed some of the most important figures in the world of physical culture; bodybuilders Steve Reeves, Bob McCune, and George Eiferman, and models Joe Dallesandro, Mark Nixon, and Brian Idol...

Photography by Miquel Arnal. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Material: Photographic paper. Hand signed by the...

This evocative contemporary photograph captures a moment of intense physical movement, rendered with a dramatic, high-contrast aesthetic that highlights muscular form. Reminiscent of...

Tattoo girl is a Vintage b/w Photo realized in the 1960s. Good conditions. Stamped on the rear.

It is becoming very rare to find a desirable original Bruce of Los Angeles vintage photograph. Especially with the iconic black and white checkerboard ...