Russell Cheney (October 16, 1881 – July 12, 1945) shown on the left was an accomplished painter and Francis Otto Matthiessen (February 19, 1902 – April 1, 1950) shown on the right was an educator, scholar and influential literary critic. Matthiessen was twenty years Russell’s junior but the two met in 1924 and remained a couple until Cheney’s death in 1945.
I dedicate this weekly post, featuring vintage gay photographs, to the men and women who lived in a more critical time where being true to yourself and loving who you want wasn’t always an option and came at a great price. Do you have a photo you would like to share? Email me at bosguymail@gmail.com.