Vintage Muscle Men

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Models, Part 1 - Assorted

Today is models day, and it will be a two part set, starting with some assorted photos.

We begin with The Sculptor's Studio by Josef Ehn.

All male class

I'm not sure if this is an all male drawing class or installation art.

Either way, they had a well built model.

Foot rest

This model is using a very thick book as a foot rest.

1936

I really like this photo, sizing grid and all. My source said

it was made in Lonon in 1936 by Josep Maria Sert

The last entry in part one is from an unknown studio in which anatomical models were used.

Models, Part 2 - Jacques Lalaing

Part two of today's model series is made up of the photographic studies of the Anglo-Belgian sculptor Jacques Lalaing. As you will see, the quality of those photos isn't always the best, but photographic art was not the objective, as they were used to supplement life models for his work. We begin with the most frequently seen of Mr. Lalaing's modes in a pose with a shield.

High quality

This is an example of two factors in Jacque Lalaing's photography. First, not all the photos were

"down and dirty" quick studies. Some, like the one above, had artistic and technical merit

of their own. Second, he often used multiple versions of the same model in the same

or similar poses. Several years ago I posted version of this one in which the model's

face was shown in the same high quality.

Knife

Although I've tried, I haven't been able to determine which Jacques Lalaing art work this photo study was for. That's not surprising, though, because I've only been able to match a very few.

Another version

Several years ago I posted a different photo of this model in the same pose.

In that one he was with a second model who was posed differently.

Recent find

I'm finishing today with a photo of my favorite Lalaing model that I recently found.

Although the quality leaves a lot to be desired, his good looks and build come through.

Monday, February 2, 2026

Roy Dean

It's Roy Dean day, and we start with a photo from the January 1983 edition of In Touch.

Asian American

This Asian-American model appeared in a number of Roy Dean's photos.

Sun bleached

This model either has sun bleached hair or an artful bottle job.

Surfboard

This fellow seems to be launching himself on a surfboard.

Double doors

Mr. Dean captured this model emerging through double doors.

Or is he inviting us in?

Knees in the sand

I hope that sand wasn't too hot when this well built model kneeled in it.

Hawaii

Roy Dean did a lot of work in Hawaii, and this picture is a good example.

It is not, however, from his book The Dean's List - Hawaii.

Gordon Grant

My source said this cowboy looking out from the shadows is Gordon Grant.

Poolside

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1970

Completing the set with an expertly lighted 1970 photo

of a model who looks like he could have worked for Colt.

Sunday, February 1, 2026

WPG's Daryl French via Brian E

Long ago I posted a photo of a Western Photography Guild model who was unknown to my source and me. My friend Brian E not only identified him, but sent me about two dozen additional photos of him. The model is Daryl French, and I am posting ten of his pictures. If you look closely you will see that his beard and tan lines are different across his work, leading me to think that the images were made in several sessions over a period of time. Once again, many thanks to Brian!