The Hun (William Schmeling) (American, 1938-2019)

Collection of Seven (7) Preparatory Studies for The Hun's Zodiac Series, 1978. Graphite on paper. Four (4) signed, three (3) unsigned. A collection of seven (7) preliminary sketches for the Hun's Zodiac series featured in "A Taste of Leather San Francisco." From the collection of Angelo Cantera, a prominent art collector honored by the Tom of Finland Foundation. Various sizes; largest: 24 x 19 in. (60.9 x 48.3 cm) Notes: Bill Schmeling, best-known by his pseudonym The Hun, was an American cartoonist who became a leading figure in the world of homoerotic and fetish art. Schmeling began his professional career in the 1960s working as an illustrator for beefcake magazines like Physique Pictorial under the pen name Torro. Though he did not receive formal artistic training, Schmeling absorbed the example of prominent contemporary artists active in homoerotic and fetish arts scene —Etienne, Al Schapiro (A. Jay), Domino, REX, and Bill Ward— in developing his own unique visual style. Schmeling was a lifelong friend of Tom of Finland and, in 2002, he was the third inductee of the Tom of Finland Foundation’s Erotic Artist Hall of Fame, celebrating his unique contributions to the genre of erotic art. [1] His artistic persona, The Hun, was inspired by the historical nomadic tribe which besieged Europe between the 4th and 6th centuries CE reflective of the raw and violent content present in his work. Schmeling’s art often depicted exaggerated forms of masculinity and explored themes such as leather culture, power dynamics, and the complexities of same-sex desire. [1] “Bill ‘the Hun’ Schmeling | 30th April 1938 – 12th September 2019.” Tom of Finland Foundation. September 13, 2019. Condition Various conditions, the largest displays minor toning, some edge tears and a large crease across the middle horizontally. The others may display some adhesive residue, minor toning, creasing. For further condition details or additional images, please contact info@vallots.com

Estimate:$400

View all items fromVallot AuctioneersorArts & Graphics