Adonis: Masterpieces of Erotic Male Photography

by Michelle Olley

From the art of the ancient Greeks to today's high-fashion photography, the male body has always been the object of fascination. Adonis brings together a selection of the most exciting and significant male erotic photography taken by some of the century's greatest photographers, from Cecil Beaton to Herb Ritts. It is a unique example of how this kind of photography has evolved, illustrating how techniques, styles, and fashions have changed over the decades.
Featured are Guglielmo Pluschow's circa 1900 work, Andy Warhol's stark Torso from 1977, Robert Mapplethorpe's superb black-and-white Thomas from 1986, and Herb Ritts's 1990 Duo IV, where two male bodies take on the appearance of a landscape.

Genres: Photography

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 26, 1999

Reviews

[Gabe Hendry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and easy to read introduction covering the history of the male nude in history and in photography. The images are presented by showcased photographer, a few images each. It is a good sample of various photographers throughout the twentieth century. The author praises the cultural progress in accepting sexuality and nudity, questioning where the age of computers might take us in the 21st…

Certainly, the Internet and digital photography have changed the landscape for those interested in nude art and erotica. This book acts as a mile-marker along the human journey of self-discovery, even more varied and compelling photography is now easily discovered and viewed with a few clicks or taps.

Thumbing through the pages is an experience. One I enjoyed, and will likely enjoy again in the future.