Vintage Muscle Men

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Raul Pacheco - A Lon Favorite

Those of you who have followed classic era physique photography for any length of time have no doubt noticed that certain models appear in certain photographers' work multiple times over a period of years. This could be for a variety of reasons including commercial success, being easy to work with, artistic virtues, or personal relationships. Raul Pacheco (1930-2015) is an example of this in the work of Lon of New York, and we will look at ten of his photos today. I can think of no better place to start than with Mr. Pacheco early in his career atop one of Lon's well used columns.

Toy Worker

There is not a lot of biographical information on Raul Pacheco, but I was able to find

out that he was born and raised in New York by parents from Puerto Rico.

On the 1950 U.S. Census he was shown as employed at a toy factory.

Frame

Raul Pacheco was one of those successful bodybuilders who did it with a small frame.

His recorded competition stats say he was 5'7" and weighted 150 pounds.

Oiled

Raul was a sickly child, and he took up bodybuilding after first engaging

in a program of calesthenics and healthy diet in his early teens.

Kimon Voyages, et. al.

At age 15 Raul started working out at Pasqua's Gym which was associated with Kimon Voyages.

There he was the training partner of Bill Cerdas, another Lon of NY model.

Modest Success

Although he never won a state or national title, Raul Pacheco

was Mr. Metropolitan New York in 1952, 1953, and 1954.

Not bad to win in the biggest market in the USA.

Other pursuits

Here he is on that well worn column again. Mr. Pacheco didn't limit his activities to bodybuilding, having been a high bar gymnast, ballroom dancer, and competent bowler.

Demure

Although pretty much G-rated, I really like this shot of Mr. Pacheco late in his career.

Later I

Lon continued to photograph Raul after his competitive bodybuilding career ended. In these later pictures, we see that he had gained weight, but is still an attractive man.

And a long life it was

Raul Pacheco is shown above standing on a table in what was probably Lon Hanagan's apartment. In his post bodybuilding years, he took up tennis and swimming to stay healthy, and it must have paid off, as he lived to age 85. Below, we see him on the tennis court.

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Eugen Sandow

Our subject for the day is the immortal Eugen Sandow.

White Marble

Mr. Sandow looks like a white marble statue in gladiator sandals in this 1894 photo.

I wonder if some artifice, photographic or makeup, was used for the effect?

Regardless, the proportions of his body approach perfection.

Rustic column

The photographer added a little atmosphere with a rustic column for this one.

Lighting

I find the lighting of this rear view to be quite effective.

Sixpack

We get a nice sixpack in this photo, and I think the object at left is a club.

Two Versions

I'm posting two versions of this photo. I have removed the yellowing from the top photo, and you can see it in the bottom. You may have noticed that I put notes on some pictures saying that I have done this for better viewing. The one below is far from the worst I've come across, btw.

Cover Man

Eugen Sandow made the cover of The Strong Man in 1931,

but the photo was made may years earlier.

Clip

Here's short GIF of Mr. Sandow flexing.

Geometry and Power

Geometry and power. 'Nuff said.

Statue

The only known frontal nude photo of Eugen Sandow is a grainy shot taken when his body was cast in plaster to make the statue shown above. This is the best picture I could find of the statue. And with that, I will close another series on one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.