Much thanks to Joseph a fellow blogger who stumbled upon this photo while he was doing research for his own blog, Academic Nudes of the 19th Century. He said the photo dates back to the 1930s. I am guessing the photo was taken in or near Mulhouse, France based on the shirt worn by the handsy guy in the first row on the far right.
Photos from the 19th century and first few decades in the 20th century can sometimes be sexually ambiguous, but I find such photos interesting and can’t help but make up stories about the men in these pictures. In this case, I’m drawn to the intimacy of three of the men. The gentleman in the middle of the second row affectionately has his hands on both shoulders of his teammate in front of him. Then there are the two in the first row with their interlocking legs. This would be enough to turn my head but the playful pinch from the friend on the far right suggests he is either a prankster or something more. His expression gives nothing away while the teammate in the middle seems to have quite a smirk, and that makes me wonder what he is thinking.
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.
BosGuy 