John Palatinus- circa 1958 

John Palatinus was one of the pioneering early physique photographers of the 1950’s.

Along with Lon of New York, Bruce of Los Angeles, and Bob Mizer of Athletic Model Guild, he helped creates a whole new genre of male photography.

Palatinus was noted for his use of light and shadow to highlight the topography of the male physique.  He used clean light washed backgrounds to clearly define the figure at a time when some photographers were using kitschy sets and props.

Palatinus was born in South Bend, Indiana in 1929, he lived & worked in that area as a window display designer. During this period he attended Indiana University.

In 1954 he began photographing young body builders of South Bend. His work first appeared in “Tomorrows Man” a pocket seized bodybuilding magazine that featured the same type of young male physique imagery.

A move to New York City came in 1956 where he had a studio on West 13th street in Greenwich Village.  He continued to be featured in “TM” and did a thriving business selling his photographs nationwide.

Beginning in 1958, Palatinus started shooting and selling full-frontal nude photos thru the mail.  This proved to be an unfortunate move   His “Village” studio was raided by the US Postal Inspectors in cooperation with the New York Police Department.  All of his photographs, original negatives, cameras, lights and equipment were confiscated never to be returned. John Palatinus was very effectively put out of business

After a trial, he was convicted not of distribution of so-called pornography, but of conspiracy, a misdemeanor charge, and spent no time in jail.

Palatinus now lives in Palm Springs, California. He may be one of the only photographers still alive from the 1950’s era of physique photography.

Antebellum is proud and honored to present the comeback of John Palatinus: welcome- TOMORROW’S MAN!

Special Salon Event

 

KINKY CAMERA CLUB

Antebellum brings back the camera club from the 1950’ s. Open to photographers of all levels, from amateur to hobbyist, to pros.

Live physique model.

Hosted by John Palatinus

February 21st

1-3pm

$65 – advance with CC

$75 @ the door

Antebellum

1643 N. Las Palmas Ave

Hollywood, CA 90028

323 856-0667

www.antebellum.us.ms

www.antebellumgallery.blogspot.com

antebellum@earthlink.net

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