Wilhelm Von Gloeden: Taormina

Rating:
Summary: An indispensible volume for the art of photography library
Review: For over a century the art photographs of Wilhelm von Gloeden (1856 - 1931) have been admired and collected, maligned and banned, and have generally been a landmark in the study of the male nude in art. This small (in size) volume of the artist's photographs represent all the photos taken in Taormina, Sicily, a near mythical spot where artsits have flocked for many years. von Gloeden originally moved to Taormina on physician's orders, leaving his homeland of Prussia and his successful career as an actor for the warmer, healthier climes of Sicily. While there he gradually converted his home into a backdrop where he could use his camera to captured Scilian youths in staged, classical poses - an homage to Greek and Roman myths and times.

This book is graced by a fine preface written by Ulrich Pohlmann, a terse essay which surveys the artist's life and makes a fine argument for the includion of von Gloeden's photograhs in the museums of the world. And then come the actual jewels - sepia toned moments of classicism using the working class Scilian youths for his Golden Mean models. Many of the photographs very comfortably present full frontal nudity of these young men and with the sexual revolution of the 1960's these photogrpahs abounded in books and calendars in support of the New Male Image. But for whatever reason history will alter their use, these beautiful creations are true milestones in figurative photography. It is a joy to have this collection available in its entirety.

Rating:
Summary: Glorious celebration of early male nudes!
Review: This book contains many well photographed young men in a very artistic manner.Never will the male nude again be this enticing,beautiful,classic. Great Art Book to add to any collection,a must!