His adult male models were unabashedly nude decades before such work was legal in the United States, so Kovert’s studio was routinely raided by the police.
Other photographers were also hired to shoot in the studio.
Kovert’s own style is immediately obvious in this photograph of David DeBorges: multiple light sources, the model’s skin gleaming with oil, and his serene gaze diverted away from the camera together transform him into an Olympian.
Kovert committed suicide in 1950.
The Volume 1, Number 1 issue of Bob Mizer's Physique Photo News magazine, which was soon renamed Physique Pictorial, was published in May, 1951. On page 7, there is a full-page ad featuring Kovert's work now managed by Richard Caldwell, who writes, "We are eliminating the name 'Kovert of Hollywood,' but be assured that there is no change in our policies." He means the availability of photographs of adult male nudes, I presume.
Stunning picture. Thanks for posting it.
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