Max Sick and Unknown Models Photographed by P. W. Luton
Likely soon after the turn of the twentieth century, P. W. Luton took this photograph of strongman Max Sick aka Maxick posing with two equally massive, unknown performers.
Maxick and other circus and sideshow strongmen were considered freaks of nature in their time. They were generally more respected than the bearded lady or pinhead but certainly in the same show.
The concept of staying fit through physical exercise was quite alien to anyone not in the military.
So, the birth of beefcake not only goes back to these performers but also to the photographers of these men who captured the strength and beauty of strongmen able to lift horses off the ground, twitch their muscles to music, etc.
Great historical photo, but if these guys were wearing pose pouches or thongs it would look modern
ReplyDeleteHello, fizeekfan!
ReplyDeleteHow the world has changed in 100 years.
Maxick and other circus and sideshow strongmen were considered freaks of nature in their time. They were generally more respected than the bearded lady or pinhead but certainly in the same show.
The concept of staying fit through physical exercise was quite alien to anyone not in the military.
So, the birth of beefcake not only goes back to these performers but also to the photographers of these men who captured the strength and beauty of strongmen able to lift horses off the ground, twitch their muscles to music, etc.
Best regards,
Michael