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LOT of 2 1990\'s \"Steel Blue\" Beefcake Calendars - 1997 + 1998 - Male Pin-Up For Sale
![LOT of 2 1990\'s \](img-large/g/mJIAAOSwq0hmWp5i/s-l1600/LOT-of-2-1990-s-Steel-Blue-Beefcake-Calendars-1997.jpg "LOT of 2 1990\'s \")
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LOT of 2 1990\'s \"Steel Blue\" Beefcake Calendars - 1997 + 1998 - Male Pin-Up :
$25.00
Steel Blue Beefcake Calendars –
A Rare 1990’s Vintage Find!Lot of 2 Calendars - 1997 + 1998 Background Story: Hand-Tinted PhotographyIn the mid-20th century, hand-tinted photography was an art form that breathed life into black-and-white images. Each photograph was individually colored by skilled artists, adding vibrancy and realism to monochromatic prints. The Steel Blue calendars are no exception—they embody this lost art, brought into a new era. Cultural Significance1990’s Aesthetics: The Steel Blue calendars capture the essence of 1980’s & 90’s demin mall culture. Their hand-tinted images evoke homoerotic nostalgia, transporting us to an era when male physicality and aesthetics were celebrated as sexually god-like. LGBTQ+ Influence: These calendars subtly pushed boundaries. While ostensibly showcasing male physiques, they also appealed to the gay community. Carlton Mickle’s photography challenged masculine norms and contributed to gay rights activism in a similar way as the “International Male” catalog (with a denim twist).
Style: Hand-Tinted Human BeautyMuscular Masculinity: The male models featured in Steel Blue exude strength and confidence. Their sculpted bodies, captured in various poses, celebrate physicality and masculinity. Ancient Allusions: The poses often reference classical sculptures and Renaissance paintings. Think gladiators, Greek Gods, and other iconic figures. These allusions elevate the artistry of the photographs. Denim and Masculinity: Denim, a rugged fabric associated with hard work and masculinity, subtly appears in some shots. Whether jeans or denim shirts, it reinforces the calendar’s theme.
The Power of the Male PhysiqueSubtle Sensuality: The calendars strike a balance between sensuality and art. They celebrate the male form without being overtly sexual, appealing to a broad audience. Body Positivity: In an era when body image norms were rigid, these calendars showcased diverse physiques—athletic, muscular, and lean. They encouraged body positivity. Collector’s Item: As a rare vintage find, owning the Steel Blue calendars is like holding a piece of history. They’re not just calendars; they’re cultural artifacts.
Keywords:Condition: Excellent (No Markings or Tears) Size: 12\" x 12\" (each calendar) - Protected by Cardboard Shipping: Free within the US (additional charges for expedited shipping). Own a Piece of Photographic History! Note: The calendars are in excellent condition. The hand-tinted beauty and cultural significance make them a must-have for collectors, art enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the male form. 📆✨ Beefcake photography has a fascinating history, and Carlton Mickle’s work is part of this intriguing genre. Let’s delve into it! Carlton Mickle, a photographer known for his beefcake imagery, produced the Steel Blue calendars in 1997 and 1998. These calendars featured muscular male models in various poses, emphasizing their physiques. But what exactly is beefcake photography? Beefcake photography refers to a style that showcases muscular male bodies. It has its roots in the early 20th century within the bodybuilding community. Over time, it evolved from subtly suggestive imagery to explicitly homoerotic material marketed to the gay community. Here are some key points about beefcake photography: Origins and Evolution: In the early 20th century, interest in physical culture grew due to urbanization. Traditional markers of masculinity shifted, and maintaining a muscular body became important. Magazines dedicated to bodybuilding gained popularity, with a large gay fanbase. However, their suggestive material was often barred from mainstream physique periodicals. Enterprising photographers like Carlton Mickle launched their own magazines, catering to homosexual audiences through coded innuendo. These publications featured models in posing straps or scant thong-style undergarments, allowing them to skirt obscenity laws. The magazines were widely available at newspaper stands, bookstores, and pharmacies, reaching a broad audience.
Aesthetics and Allusions: Beefcake models were often playfully attired as gladiators, workers, Greek statues, and other traditionally masculine figures. The images referenced ancient sculptures of gods, athletes, and Renaissance paintings. These allusions helped downplay the salacious nature of the photos while showcasing the artistry of studio photographers.
Photographers and Activists: Carlton Mickle and other photographers like Jeff Palmer and Tom Bianchi were not only pioneers in their field but also savvy businessmen. They challenged mainstream conceptions of masculinity, sexual morality and censorship, contributing to changing the status quo for gay men. Carlton Mickle’s work played a role in 1990’s gay cultural activism, as a precursor to the Abercrombie & Fitch aesthetic
About Carlton Mickle, Photographer: Style: Carlton Mickle’s work spans various genres, from commercial photography to capturing intimate moments. He often experiments with vintage video cameras, blending photography and videography. Subject Matter: Mickle’s portfolio includes diverse subjects, from Burning Man gatherings to New Orleans street scenes. His versatility allows him to explore different facets of life and human expression.
Legacy: While not as widely recognized as some other photographers, Mickle’s unique approach continues to resonate with those who appreciate his blend of nostalgia and contemporary artistry.
In summary, Carlton Mickle’s beefcake photography, as seen in the Steel Blue calendars, reflects a fascinating blend of late 1980’s aesthetics, cultural references, and LGBTQ+ community. 💪🌟
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