You may think guy candy is a 21st century phenomenon, but you, my dear reader, would be wrong. In fact, for centuries, artists have been teasing us with decidedly yummy hunks, ensuring that the hottest guys in their day, would still be appreciated well into the future. And, lucky for you, we’ve picked our favourite historical art hunks to you to drool over while you think about getting back to that annoying client…
David in David, Michelangelo, 1501-1504
Let’s start with the obvious, shall we? This piece of marble perfection has stunned – and at times outraged – viewers for centuries. Tense, and ready for combat, David is our favourite work of art to visit whenever we’re in Florence, and we’re sure we don’t have to explain why…
Paul Rosano in Paul Rosano Reclining, Sylvia Sleigh, 1970s
Sylvia Sleigh made painting male nudes her signature, and she was pretty damn good at it, having a number of male muses throughout her career. Fun fact, she even had one image of Paul Rosano ordered to be taken down because of the detail in the nude painting. When interviewed about it in the New York Times, Sleigh argued that the judge probably would not have objected if the painting depicted a female nude. (And we agree). We particularly love this portrait because of Rosano’s flamboyant flair, I mean, who else could pull off orange in such a way?
Gustave Courbet in The Desperate Man, Gustave Courbet, 1843
This self-portrait is just as though Gustave Courbet were looking at his own reflection in the mirror. With his dreamy brown eyes and long hair, we don’t really need to give much explanation as to why he’s topping our list. The fact that Courbet’s a painter himself, just makes him that much dreamier…
Bacchus in Bacchus And Ariadne, Titian, 1520-1523
We all love a guy who’s in touch with his feelings, and Bacchus falling head over heels for Ariadne is making our hearts melt. In this painting the god of wine leaps towards Ariadne, who he took to heaven and turned into stars. (Art boys take note of how to woo your art girl)
Mystery Man in Water, Alireza Shojaian, 2018
We’re not sure who this mystery man is, but if anyone can help a girl out, we’re listening… Getting in touch with his softer side, this art hunk looks like a Greek God amongst the foliage. 10/10 from us!
George Jules Taylor in Family Jules: NNN (No Naked Niggahs), Barkley L. Hendricks, 1974
Who doesn’t love a guy with a bit of personality? Extra points if he’s got a hot bod too, something that George Jules Taylor has both of in this painting. Both painting and sitter are cool and sensual, we approve.
Egon Schiele in Self Portrait With Striped Shirt, Egon Schiele, 1910
I mean, just look at those eyes. Egon Schiele has something of a mischievous vibe in this painting, which endears us to him even more…
Bacchus in Triumph Of Bacchus, Michaelina Wautier, 1650-1656
Making a double appearance in our list (does that make Bacchus the prettiest God in art history?!), Bacchus is represented here by female artist Michaelina Wautier, who is believed to be the first female artist to depict a male nude. In fact, history previously mistook her for a male artist. But, instead of being outraged over this situation, let us for a moment appreciate Wautier’s talent, as well as the godlike body of Bacchus!
Text Lizzy Vartanian
