🌞 Summer Issues of Physique Pictorial (1956–1957) – AMG, Art Bob, Art Lewis

Description

At the height of the 1950s golden era of beefcake publishing, Physique Pictorial stood at the vanguard of coded queer visibility — but it never looked more carefree than in summer. This lot of three issues includes Summer 1956, Summer 1957, and Vol. 13 No. 2, each basking in vintage poolside reverie. From the solemn memorial cover dedicated to slain model Leonard Chambers to the bright-eyed, striped-suited twink grinning by the pool, this trio captures both the vulnerability and exuberance of male form worship during a repressive time in American history. All three issues are complete, original, and offer a poignant look into the world Bob Mizer shaped from behind his AMG lens.

In addition to physique photography, these issues feature a striking amount of mid-century homoerotic illustration, including contributions from “Art Bob” and Art Lewis, both adept at translating muscle-worship into linework dripping with innuendo. In one two-page spread, an archer grins knowingly, and another lad loses his trousers to a charging bull. Elsewhere, gladiators grapple in elaborate fantasy scenes that would be echoed decades later by artists like Rex and Etienne.

Rarely do you find three issues so aligned by season and theme — especially with such a strong showing of drawn male fantasy.