Paul Outerbridge Jr.

Paul Outerbridge Jr. (1896–1958) wasn't a male physique photographer, but I think he's too important to skip. As I've explored the history behind our shared interest in vintage male nudity, I've become increasingly fascinated by the artists working alongside it.

1. Paul Outerbridge Jr. self-portrait - 1936.

2. Outerbridge in a jacket and tie.

I see clear parallels in their shared fascination with glamour, theatricality, the nude, and the constant struggle to defend those subjects against censorship. I also see some striking homoerotic themes in his work, but of course, that is my bias--and I'm proud of it.

3. Consciousness by Outerbridge - 1931.  Doubtfully the artist's intention, but this composition reminds me of a "bulldog" shot...compare to image below.

4. Close-up bulldog shot (unknown model and photographer) to compare to Outerbridge shot above.

4a. #3 and #4 "Huevos" superimposed. Anyone else see the resemblance?

5. Egg in Spotlight by Outerbridge - 1943. This high contrast single direct light source style was very common among many of the photographers I've highlighted...clear example below.

6. Male Nude by George Hoyningen-Huene - 1927 (almost 2 decades before photo above).

Best known as a pioneer of color photography, Outerbridge produced elegant still lifes, fashion photography, and erotic nudes that challenged what photography could be. He believed the nude belonged in art, not behind closed doors, and argued that censorship often created the very obscenity it claimed to prevent. 

7. Jello Mould in Dish by Outerbridge - 1923. The lighting technique here reminds me of Mizer's signature punchbowl gobo backgrounds...see below.

8. Joe Schuler in a Roman gladiator-style hat by Bob Mizer - 1959. Notice gobo lighting effect in the background.

Outerbridge moved in the same artistic circles as Man Ray, Marcel Duchamp, and Edward Steichen, pushing photography toward something more stylized, theatrical, and unapologetically beautiful. Those qualities are exactly what draw me to physique photography as well. Whether the subject is male or female, I see artists asking the same questions: Can the nude be both erotic and art? Where is that line? Who gets to decide?

9. Woman in Bed Under Satin Sheets by Outerbridge - 1933.  Reminiscent of George Platt-Lynes blend of technical perfection blurring lines between artistic and erotic.

I only wish Outerbridge had photographed more men. Judging by the sensuality, precision, and glamour he brought to his female nudes, I suspect they would have been remarkable.

10. Nude with Mask and Hat by Outerbridge - 1936. His work explored nudity and kink from the hetero side...compare to image below from the homo side.

11. Steve Packard in gear.

Please leave thoughts, questions, additions or corrections in the comments. Thank you, bns