Big Game Hunting

Surfing the internet I came across a photographers portfolio that contained dozens of black and white studio interiors taken in New York City in the 1950's. All are of male artists posed "working" from their nude female models. The men are all middle aged and the women are all relatively young and attractive. Before photography male artists often painted studio interiors of themselves with their naked models. This genre is still common. I think these pictures document some sort of male conquest.

One could argue that all nude images of women done by men are spoils for the male ego. But putting oneself in the picture takes it to another level. While I understand the motivation I'm not comfortable with the idea of the "trophy" studio picture. For me it invades a privacy I value in an artist/model relationship.

Reclining Nude, oil pastel, 7 1/4" X 10 3/4",  2011

Years ago in a thrift shop I came across a turn of the 20th century photo. I still kick myself for not buying it. It featured a young women standing naked in front of a large group of young men all dressed in suits and ties. The room interior made it obvious this was a figure model surrounded by art students. I was struck by her smile. It was confident and contemporary. The tables were turned - model standing triumphant.

Maybe someday I'll want a big game hunter shot of myself with a model. In the meantime I'm satisfied to stay behind the easel.