Collection of 68 photographs by the Prussian photographer Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden; (1856-1931) Italian boys of Taormina, Sicily with classical accoutrements in outdoor settings

An important pre-World War I photographer, von Gloeden utilized body makeup, controlled lighting, special filters and tints to create elegant homoerotic portraits, for which his models were well paid. The full-length nudes, of boys ranging in age from early childhood to young adult, present the form frontally in all but three cases, and are situated in rocky landscapes, wooded meadows, on verandas with mountain backdrops and in private terraces.

They range from single portraits, at least one of which is a putative portrait of Von Gloeden's longtime lover, II Moro, to groupings of two to five people. In quintessential Von Gloeden style, a classical ambiance is evoked by use of props such as flutes, head wreaths, grapes, palm fronds, clay pots (one painted with the delightful figure of a man in exuberant dance) and even a rooster slung across the shoulder. (The lineup of one group is charmingly punctuated by a dignified black dog, posing alongside his human companions.)

The prints, made over a period of years, vary in tone from sepia to b/w; some are unevenly toned. A few show small spots, presumably irregularities in the glass plate. Sizes vary from 5x7 inches to 7x9.5 inches.

Later prints ---.