Perceptions of homoerotica in old advertising.

in #art7 years ago

Perceptions of homoerotica in old advertising.

I have an interest in old advertising. Particularly the post war American advertising with this being an example from Cannon Sheets.

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In the fervour of patriotic advertising in World War 2 American companies would race to somehow connect their products with the on-going War effort.

It is interesting to look at how perceptions have changed over the years. A viewer looking at this today in 2018 would imagine this to be some sort of advert for a luxury gay resort with complete with hot guys bathing it up with ripped muscles.

For the 1940s perspective, other than a bunch of closeted man getting titillated, or perhaps, cockilated, by the G.I.s they would have seen something else. A group of wholesome white men defending freedom as they smash the AXIS powers up the boot of Italy. I am not sure that the Americans were having that much fun while fighting and most likely would need bath, so I guess it makes sense on some level.

I was thinking that maybe when they designed this they understood the gay thing a little bit. They stuck in a women at the bottom to balance it out.

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Jim Thompson @jimdraw


Will do graphic design for food

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Too funny! This was a more innocent time. While ironically being a much more violent time.

Easy Dickens😝

I always wondered about the male only spas. Everyone I've ever seen looks akin to an Asian Massage parlour. I'm not saying they aren't legitamite spas.

Personally my favorite part of this ad is the information on the bottom right corner for use and care of your towel, after your 'brisk rub down'

Yeah baby, brisk rub down.

Unintentional mimicry - although I did read Tale of Two Cities last fall.

Now where did I leave my guillotine so I can cut the head off this cigar...?


I also appreciate the tips provided to keep your towel "Durable for the duration."

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