Wrestling shows up again and again in mid-century physique photography—studios, backyards, open fields, even mountaintops.
1. Ric Dreslin aka Jean-Claude and Turk (not sure if this is labeled correctly or which is which??) (close and personal)
It starts innocently enough: a classic, all-American sport with deep roots, a perfectly acceptable excuse for close contact between men.
2. Unknown Models photographed by Edmund Desbonnet (taking support)
3. Fred Degroot and Dan Lurie (not sure this is ID'd right, is this a Townsend photo??) (big dipper)
4. Unknown Models (still a debate of photo credit between Kovert and Urban...we need a tie breaker or some evidence to confirm;)
But over time, that line begins to blur. The holds linger a little longer, the bodies press a little closer, and the camera leans in. What begins as competition starts to feel like something else entirely—something the audience clearly recognized and kept coming back for.
5. Andy Buck (dark hair) and Bob Delmonteque (blonde) (headlock) by Douglas of Detroit (
6. Brian Lambrill (dark hair) and Tibor Urgay (curly blonde hair)
7. Al Abijian (dark hair) and Bob Poling (blonde)
There’s humor in it too. Play, roughhousing, a kind of male bonding that makes closeness feel allowed. For me, that’s always been part of the appeal—the way a headlock or a half nelson could stand in for something softer, without ever having to say it.
8. Bud Counts (below) and Pepper Gomez (above) (on the beach)
9. Conklin Twins - Ritchie and Robbie (on the rocks)
10. Giorgio (the only label I can find, which I believe refers to front model??)
Feedback?
Wrestling is among the world's oldest competitions, practiced in nearly every culture and country and in many varieties.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I was nodding at this in mentioning its “deep roots”, but definitely a global and ancient practice. We tend to lean Greco-Roman in the U.S., but its roots run through the Asian, African, and Latin diasporas. I personally love Turkish olive oil wrestling😉 Mr bushnstache (bns)
DeleteI stand corrected...the common style in the U.S. is called folkstyle wrestling;). Thanks UtahJock!
DeleteNumbers two and four are personal favorites, and four is definitely by Kovert of Hollywood. Thanks for number six. I already have it, but this is a much cleaner image that what I had.
ReplyDeleteYou have excellent taste, as you know😉 Tibor Urgay is a personal favorite. Mr bushnstache (bns)
DeleteI'm thinking folkstyle is the dominant wrestling style in North America.
ReplyDeleteThank you for clarifying that. You are right on. Greco-Roman is an Olympic sport, but folkstyle is most common in youth and college programs in North America. I appreciate the correction;)
DeletePhoto #5 is Douglas of Detroit. And to add some fun, photo #4 is from Al Urban. He photographed these models separately as well!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the notes. By chance can you link me to your reference? Another blog buddy is leaning toward Kovert.
DeleteAn absolutely exquisite selection of photos. Beautiful to look at and admire.
ReplyDelete❤️💔bns
DeleteExcelentes Imagenes!!!😍😘🤩🤗
ReplyDelete🙏🏻❤️
ReplyDeletePhoto #3 is Fred Degroot and Bill Leardi, taken by Al Urban.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely.
DeleteGryf
Photo # 4- definitely Ko’Vert, his take of the famed sculpture of the Pancrastinae in the Uffuzi gallery of Florence Italy.
ReplyDeletePhotos # 7 & 8- by Bruce Bellas
Photo # 9 - Conklin Twins by Don Whitman/ Western Photography Guild.
Gryf
Photo 1- Dreslin’s ass is facing the camera.
ReplyDeleteGryf