Items Similar to Vintage Bruce of Los Angeles Matched Set Original B & W Male Photograph Set
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 12
Vintage Bruce of Los Angeles Matched Set Original B & W Male Photograph Set
About the Item
It is very rare to find a desirable iconic two piece set of original Bruce of Los Angeles vintage photographs. Especially with the iconic early work of Bruce in the studio with the iconics props like in this example with the real fisherman’s net. This pair was printed in the early 50s while Bruce was still alive and certainly was ordered as a two piece set to one of his customers by mail order. This pair is very collectible as it has the early studio stamp on each photograph AND as a added bonus, the name of the handsome young male model, Dale Hepburn. Matted in a heavyweight acid free white Matt size 11 by 14. The original photos are the standard 8 x 10 high gloss finish. Ready for framing! We can frame them in black frame if purchased for a gift for an additional 150 the pair.
Bruce Harry Bellas was born in Alliance, Nebraska on July 7, 1909. He worked as a chemistry teacher there until 1947, when he began photographing bodybuilders in Los Angeles, California, beginning with taking pictures of bodybuilding competitions. In 1956, Bellas launched his own magazine, The Male Figure. Among physique photographers, Bellas' work was noted for having a distinctly campy, tongue-in-cheek sensibility. Bellas also produced a number of early homoerotic 8 mm films with titles such as Cowboy Washup and Big Gun for Hire.
Bellas was known to travel around the country, finding new models to photograph and also personally delivering nude photographs to customers, since they were liable to be seized by postal inspectors if sent through the mail.
An extensive archive of Bellas' nude male physique photographs exists today, largely intact. His impact on physique photography is largely felt and recognized, and the works of Robert Mapplethorpe, Herb Ritts, and Bruce Weber are widely considered to be influenced by Bellas' pioneering style. In 1990, the Wessel O'Connor Gallery in New York and the Jan Kesner Gallery in Los Angeles both exhibited a wide array of Bellas' work, furthering modern recognition of his impact.
Bellas died while on vacation in Canada in July 1974. He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills on August 9.Bellas was in a long-term relationship with favorite model Scotty Cunningham, to whom he left his estate.
- Creator:Bruce of Los Angeles (Artist),Bruce Bellas (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 14 in (35.56 cm)Width: 11 in (27.94 cm)Depth: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Palm Springs, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: 524061stDibs: LU1767239682132
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
Established in 2012
1stDibs seller since 2015
246 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 3 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Palm Springs, CA
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllVintage Bruce of Los Angeles Matched Pair Original B & W Male Photographs Set
By Bruce of Los Angeles, Bruce Bellas
Located in Palm Springs, CA
It is very rare to find a desirable iconic two piece set of original Bruce of Los Angeles vintage photographs. Especially with the iconic beach ball pr...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Photography
Materials
Paper
$1,200 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Early Bruce of Los Angeles Male Model Physique Orig B&W Photograph
By Bruce of Los Angeles, Bruce Bellas
Located in Palm Springs, CA
It is becoming very rare to find a desirable original Bruce of Los Angeles vintage photograph. Especially with the iconic black and white checkerboard ...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Photography
Materials
Paper
$520 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare Bruce of LA Set Model Bobby Kennedy Male Orig Vintage Physique Photographs
By Bruce of Los Angeles, Bruce Bellas
Located in Palm Springs, CA
It is very rare to find a desirable iconic two piece set of original Bruce of Los Angeles vintage photographs. Especially with the iconic Roman column,...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Photography
Materials
Paper
$1,200 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Early B & W Original Bruce of LA Male Nude Photograph Rare Studio Stamp
By Bruce of Los Angeles, Bruce Bellas
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A rare early B & W orig photograph from Bruce Bellas. This tasteful nude is a horizontal image of a handsome blond male model. The verso has the early stamp with PO Box in Los Angele...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Photography
Materials
Paper
$440 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage 1950s Original Male Physique Photograph by Bruce of Los Angeles
By Bruce Bellas
Located in Palm Springs, CA
An original iconic male physique photograph by legendary photographer Bruce Bellas aka Bruce of Los Angeles. Our collection (soon to be available on separate listings are all original (not copied from negative). This iconic image with a beach ball was one of the props that became synonymous with a Bruce Bellas photograph. Printed in the 1950s, the stamped images were printed when he was alive. They are the rare, sought after photographs prized by collectors of the genre. 8x 10 photograph, white matt, beautifully framed in classic black.
Bio:
An icon of gay art and one of the most famous names in physique photography, Bruce Bellas is remembered today as a pioneer of beefcake. Beginning in the 1940s and continuing until his death in 1974, Bellas photographed some of the most important figures in the world of physical culture; bodybuilders Steve Reeves, Bob McCune, and George Eiferman, and models Joe Dallesandro, Mark Nixon, and Brian Idol...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Photography
Materials
Paper
$600 Sale Price
20% Off
Bruce of L.A. (Bruce Bellas) Original 50s Male Nude Photograph Handsome Model
By Bruce of Los Angeles, Bruce Bellas
Located in Palm Springs, CA
From an important 25 plus year collection of Male Physique and Beefcake photography, image # 7 of handsome male model Bill Gregory. Printed in the 1960s and are all signed by the studio on verso when Mr. Bruce Bellas aka Bruce of LA was alive. Beautifully, professionally framed. Double white mat and simple black frame. All original photos are 8 x 10. Framed 16.50" W x 19" H.
Please see other listings for more photographs from this collection available for sale for the 1st time. These listing photographs are very hard to shoot under glass. They are sharp, clear photographs printed the old fashioned way, by hand in the late 50s and early 60s.
BIO:
Bruce Harry Bellas (July 7, 1909 – July 1974) was an American photographer. He was influential in his work with male physiques and nudes. Bellas was well known under the pseudonym Bruce of Los Angeles.
History and influence
Bruce Harry Bellas was born in Alliance, Nebraska on July 7, 1909. He worked as a chemistry teacher there until 1947, when he began photographing bodybuilders in Los Angeles, California, beginning with taking pictures of bodybuilding competitions. In 1956, Bellas launched his own magazine, The Male Figure. Among physique photographers, Bellas' work was noted for having a distinctly campy, tongue-in-cheek sensibility. Bellas also produced a number of early homoerotic 8 mm films with titles such as Cowboy Washup and Big Gun for Hire.
Bellas was known to travel around the country, finding new models to photograph and also personally delivering nude photographs to customers, since they were liable to be seized by postal inspectors if sent through the mail.
An extensive archive of Bellas' nude male physique...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Photography
Materials
Other
$600 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
Mid 20th Century Vintage Bruce of La Photo Purchased From the Artists Estate
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This attention grabbing photo depicts a strong nude man with his back turned to the camera. The subtle monotone colors make this phot bold yet tasteful. Acquired from a Palm Beach es...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Photography
Materials
Wood, Paper
Pair of Silver Gelatin Photographs by Alfredo Valente
By Alfredo Valente
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of original silver gelatin photography prints circa 1950s by noted New York photographer Alfredo Valente, both professionally framed and mat...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Photography
Materials
Paper
Mid 20th Century Vintage Bruce of La Vintage Framed Photograph on Man with Hoop
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous Vintage MCM Framed Photograph of Athletic Man With Hoop. Shot by thr infamour a Bruce of LA. Purchased from the estate auction of thr artist.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Glass, Wood
$1,104 Sale Price
20% Off
Manolo Hugue Archive Photography, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Manolo Hugué archive photography.
Printed, circa 1960.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
The photography comes...
Category
Vintage 1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
$898 Sale Price
40% Off
Pascal and Vastian, Set of Four Black and White Framed Photographies
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
In Pascal and Vastian's set of four framed black and white photographies, the bustling atmosphere of a tram stop comes to life in a timeless tableau of urban activity. Against the ba...
Category
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Photography
Materials
Paper
$6,110 Sale Price / set
40% Off
Mid 20th Century Vintage Boho Bruce of La Photograph of Man With Fencing Sword
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous vintage MCM photograph of a Man posing with a Fencing Sword. Shot by the infamous Bruce of LA. Lurched from the auction of his personal estate.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Glass, Wood
$1,320 Sale Price
20% Off
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Nude Net
Vintage Film Props
Film Prop
Black Forest Gun
Eagle And Flag
Inlaid Mantel Clock
Japanese Screen Kimono
Mid Century Modern Window Seat
Mid Century Stereo
Midcentury White Lacquer Chest Of Drawers
Ming Dynasty Figures
Murano Glass Pink Opaline
Nieuhof China
Omersa Leather
Pedestal Compote
Plum Mahogany
Porcelain Garden Seat
Rare Tuscan