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Hollywood Nudes: The Physique Photos of Fred Kovert

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Fred Kovert is the true father of modern physique photography. Working primarily in the 1930s and 1940s, Kovert pushed the boundaries of the law and aesthetics in his nude male photography. Later, better-known and better-remembered photographers like Bob Mizer (Athletic Model Guild) would learn their trade from Kovert.

Kovert, who apparently suffered from mental illness, committed suicide in 1950. Although an associate retrieved most of Kovert's negatives, he, too, committed suicide some time later, and most of Kovert's work was lost.

What is contained in this slim volume of 57 images are images from a private collection. While not representative of Kovert's work (David Chapman, who introduces the book, teases us with descriptions of some of Kovert's more avant-garde work), the reader will get a sense of the exquisite work being done in Kovert's Los Angeles studios during the 1930s and 1940s.

Many of the black-and-white images contained in this book are classical compositions -- men posing like Greco-Roman statues, pretending to be gladiators or Olympian wrestlers. (The law, at the time, permitted prosecution of nude photographs unless they had some "socially redeeming value" -- such as enlightening the consumer about history, art or health.) The models are almost uniformly athletic (if not outright body-builders), white and hairless. The Kovert's photographic skills are also highly developed, which shows the dedication and care that he put into these images. (Contrast this with the half-hearted efforts -- poor composition, lackluster models, poor lighting, grainy images -- put into most mass pornography.)

But despite the limited context of the photographs, there is a freshness, a vitality, an innocence and a LIFE to these photos. The models don't stare numbly into the distance; they seem engaged with the photographer. Like famous "Harper's Bazaar" fashion and portrait photographer Brassai, Kovert's images seem un-staged and casual -- even when obviously posed.

These images lack the commonness, the availability, the dullness and the boredom of much modern male nude photography. Partly this is because of Kovert's own vastly different gay sensibility (different in its self-consciousness, different in the sense of danger and the excitement that he felt doing his work), but also it seems true because of the lack of self-awareness and self-consciousness that the models project.

Put simply, Kovert's images project an innocence and sincerity as well as a sensuality that is refreshing and unique.

Fred Kovert was one of the best early physique photographers from the 40's and 50's. Little is known of him today or appreciated. This book of nude young men shows his unique ability to show off his models with beautiful lighting set against studio objects. His attention to detail shows great sophistication. The photos are so clear and full of life. Its a shame he faced so much opposition from the authorities and so many raids on his work. In the end he committed suicide in 1950, his mental health was affected so much.

A beautiful book from a great photographer. It would be nice if there was more of his work to see and be published.

Refreshing and stunning black/white photography of nude males from the days of the "physique" style of erotic male photography. Excellent notes by David Chapman about the life of Fred Kovert, or at least what little we know of it. This great Artist was yet another Martyr to intolerance and hypocrisy. What is remarkable about Kovert's art is the painstaking attention he gave to his models and the way every contour and curve, from head to toe, and everything in between, is captured in detail. Few erotic artists have captured male beauty and power the way Kovert did. I don't hesitate to say that this photobook should be an obligatory addition to your collection.

Product packed with great care, all relevant paperwork was included, and the product did not suffer from the journey.