Robert Henry (Bob) Mizer Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1922 - d. 1992

Robert Henry Mizer (March 27, 1922–May 12, 1992), known as Bob Mizer, was an American photographer and filmmaker, known for pushing boundaries of depicting male homoerotic content with his work in the mid 20th century.[1]


Bob Mizer’s earliest photographs appeared in 1942, in both color and black and white, but his career was catapulted into infamy in 1947 when he was convicted of the unlawful distribution of obscene material through the US mail.[1] The material in question was a series of black and white photographs, taken by Mizer, of young bodybuilders wearing what were known as posing straps—a precursor to the G-string. He served a nine-month prison sentence at a work camp in Saugus, California for what now seems tame. At the time, male near-nudity was not only frowned upon, but illegal.

In spite of societal expectations and pressure from law enforcement, Mizer built a veritable empire on his beefcake photographs and films. He established the influential studio, the Athletic Model Guild (AMG) in 1945, but by the time he published the first issue of Physique Pictorial he was operating the studio on his own at his home near downtown Los Angeles. With assistance from his mother, Delia (who created the posing straps), and his brother, Joe, he photographed thousands of men, building a collection that includes nearly one million different images and thousands of films and videotapes.[2]

In the 1950s, several other photographers were doing similar work, such as Alonzo Hanagan in New York City, Douglas of Detroit, Don Whitman of Western Photography Guild in Denver, and, on the West Coast, Russ Warner in Oakland and Dave Martin in San Francisco.

Regardless of the attempts to suppress his work, Mizer continued to pursue his vision, influencing artists like Robert Mapplethorpe and David Hockney.[3] Examples of Mizer's work are now held by esteemed educational and cultural institutions the world over, and can be found in various books, galleries, and private art collections. New York University’s 80 Washington Square East Gallery presented what it called "the first major institutional solo presentation of Bob Mizer’s work to be shown anywhere in the world" in early 2014, where artists Bruce Yonemoto, Karen Finley and Vaginal Davis added to NYU's scholarship on Mizer. The New York Times reported that the exhibition "makes a good case for [Mizer] as an artist with interests and imagination considerably more expansive than what his popular reputation suggests."[3]

In 1999, Beefcake, a docudrama directed by Thom Fitzgerald, was produced, inspired by a picture book by F. Valentine Hooven III (published by Taschen).

Bob Mizer produced over 3,000 film titles from the early 1950s to the early 1980s. In August 1980, he began using the then-new technology of VHS, and recorded over 7500 hours of his photo sessions until his death in 1992.

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    • Bob Mizer (1922-1992) Bill Kugler
      Jun. 25, 2024

      Bob Mizer (1922-1992) Bill Kugler

      Est: €1,500 - €2,500

      Bob Mizer (1922-1992) Bill Kugler Circa 1950 Signé à l'encre et portant le cachet de l'édition limitée 'Athletic Model Guild' du photographe, titré et édité '#2/25' au verso Tirage argentique tiré en 1992 Getekend in inkt en voorzien van het 'Athletic Model Guild' limited edition stempel van de fotograaf, getiteld en bewerkt '#2/25' op verso zilverprint gedrukt in 1992 Signed in ink and bearing the photographer's 'Athletic Model Guild' limited edition stamp, titled and edited '#2/25' on verso Silver gelatine print printed in 1992 Image: 48.3 x 37.8 cm (19 x 14 7/8 in) Sheet: 50.8 x 40.3 cm (20 x 15 7/8 in) Framed

      Bonhams
    • Bob MIZER for AMG (American Model Guild) (1922-1992) Juwa La Vonce, c.1950
      Jun. 23, 2024

      Bob MIZER for AMG (American Model Guild) (1922-1992) Juwa La Vonce, c.1950

      Est: €400 - €600

      Bob MIZER pour AMG (American Model Guild) (1922-1992) Juwa La Vonce, c.1950 Tirage argentique d'époque, annoté au verso (numéro de catalogue) 25 x 20 cm (rare dans ce format) Bob MIZER for AMG (American Model Guild) (1922-1992) Juwa La Vonce, c.1950 Vintage silver print, annotated on verso (catalog number) 25 x 20 cm (rare in this format) Bob MIZER para AMG (American Model Guild) (1922-1992) Juwa La Vonce, c.1950 Grabado vintage en plata, anotado en el reverso (número de catálogo) 25 x 20 cm (raro en este formato) Bob MIZER für AMG (American Model Guild) (1922-1992) Juwa La Vonce, c.1950 Zeitgenössischer Silberabzug, auf der Rückseite annotiert (Katalognummer). 25 x 20 cm (selten in diesem Format) Bob MIZER per AMG (American Model Guild) (1922-1992) Juwa La Vonce, 1950 ca. Stampa d'argento d'epoca, annotata sul verso (numero di catalogo) 25 x 20 cm (rara in questo formato) 鲍勃-米泽为 AMG（美国模特协会）设计的作品（1922-1992 年） Juwa La Vonce，约 1950 年 复古银质印刷品，背面有注释（目录编号） 25 x 20 厘米（此规格罕见）

      Barbarossa Maison de ventes
    • BOB MIZER (1922-1992) Two extraordinary large-format original storyboards made by Mizer.
      Aug. 17, 2023

      BOB MIZER (1922-1992) Two extraordinary large-format original storyboards made by Mizer.

      Est: $2,000 - $3,000

      BOB MIZER (1922-1992) Two extraordinary large-format original storyboards made by Mizer. Each of Mizer's original storyboards featured a series of images depicting the same model or a duo of models in a series of poses, with or without props, and a variety of backgrounds. He photographed each board, and used these smaller photographs of his storyboards to disseminate his work for ordering purposes. The boards feature his unique inventory system, and the handsome, large-scale boards showcase his gift for composition and lighting. Each storyboard with printed labels with the Athletic Model Guild credit, the address, and pricing and sizing information. Each board also with Mizer's handwritten inventory number under each photograph as well as a title and a model name in grease pencil at the lower edge. The first board with 34 photographs on each side (one missing on one side): one side inventoried YC13-PAGE 16 and the other side YC13-PAGE-17 Irving Koszewski, from 1952. The second with 35 photographs on one side and 33 on the other, both depicting Fred Kimball, YE13-PAGE-15 and PAGE-16, also from 1952. Silver prints, the images measuring 117x82 mm; 4 1/2x3 1/4 inches, and slightly smaller, the boards overall 714x559 mm; 28 1/8x22 inches, each with the Athletic Model Guild labels and Mizer's inventory numbers and the model's name in grease pencil on both recto and verso. 1952.

      Swann Auction Galleries
    • Bob Mizer (1922-1992) Ensemble de 36 photographies, années 1960 tirages argentiques, dont 2 de ses sujets les plus célèbres Brian Idol et Jim Horn, 3 de la douche immortalisée par Hockney, et autres sujets, plusieurs avec tampo...
      Jun. 01, 2023

      Bob Mizer (1922-1992) Ensemble de 36 photographies, années 1960 tirages argentiques, dont 2 de ses sujets les plus célèbres Brian Idol et Jim Horn, 3 de la douche immortalisée par Hockney, et autres sujets, plusieurs avec tampo...

      Est: €2,000 - €3,000

      Bob Mizer (American, 1922-1992) Ensemble de 36 photographies, années 1960 tirages argentiques, dont 2 de ses sujets les plus célèbres Brian Idol et Jim Horn, 3 de la douche immortalisée par Hockney, et autres sujets, plusieurs avec tampon 'AMG / B. Mizer' (au revers) 10 x 12cm (4 x 5in). gelatin silver prints, 2 being of Mizer's most famous subjects Brian Idol and Jim Horn, 3 of the shower immortalized by Hockney, and other subjects, several with ink stamp on verso 'AMG / B. Mizer' For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website

      Bonhams
    • BOB MIZER (1922-1992) Athletic Model Guild, Ted Bentley & Dick Kreutel.
      Aug. 18, 2022

      BOB MIZER (1922-1992) Athletic Model Guild, Ted Bentley & Dick Kreutel.

      Est: $2,000 - $3,000

      BOB MIZER (1922-1992) Athletic Model Guild, Ted Bentley & Dick Kreutel. Silver print, the image measuring 483x381 mm; 19x15 inches, the sheet slightly larger, with the Bob Wizer/Athletic Model Guild 1992 Portfolio Limited Edition Published by Wessel O'Connor Gallery, New York with the edition notation 4/25 and the name of the sitters in pencil on verso. Circa 1950s; printed 1992.

      Swann Auction Galleries
    • Bob Mizer (1922-1992); Leonard Chambers;
      Jun. 07, 2022

      Bob Mizer (1922-1992); Leonard Chambers;

      Est: $1,200 - $1,800

      Bob Mizer (1922-1992) Leonard Chambers, c.1959 gelatin silver print, printed from the artist's original transparency and stamped with the Bob Mizer Estate on the verso 15 x 19 1/2 in. (38.1 x 49.5 cm.) sheet 16 x 20 in. (40.6 x 50.8 cm.) For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website

      Bonhams
    • BOB MIZER (1922 - 1992) | Untitled (Larry Lamb, Catalog #UH1-A), 2005
      Sep. 28, 2018

      BOB MIZER (1922 - 1992) | Untitled (Larry Lamb, Catalog #UH1-A), 2005

      Est: $2,000 - $3,000

      gelatin silver print; stamped with the Bob Mizer Foundation stamp, signed by the foundation, titled, dated '2005' inscribed and numbered '1/3' on the reverse

      Sotheby's
    • BOB MIZER (1922 - 1992) | Untitled (Larry Lamb, Catalog #UH1-L), 2005
      Sep. 28, 2018

      BOB MIZER (1922 - 1992) | Untitled (Larry Lamb, Catalog #UH1-L), 2005

      Est: $2,000 - $3,000

      gelatin silver print; stamped with the Bob Mizer Foundation stamp, signed by the foundation, titled, dated '2005' inscribed and numbered '1/3' on the reverse

      Sotheby's
    • BOB MIZER (1922 - 1992) | Untitled (Larry Lamb, Catalog #UH1-G), 2005
      Sep. 28, 2018

      BOB MIZER (1922 - 1992) | Untitled (Larry Lamb, Catalog #UH1-G), 2005

      Est: $2,000 - $3,000

      gelatin silver print; stamped with the Bob Mizer Foundation stamp, signed by the foundation, titled, dated '2005' inscribed and numbered '1/3' on the reverse

      Sotheby's
    • BOB MIZER (1922 - 1992) | Untitled (Larry Lamb, Catalog #UH1-S), 2005
      Sep. 28, 2018

      BOB MIZER (1922 - 1992) | Untitled (Larry Lamb, Catalog #UH1-S), 2005

      Est: $2,000 - $3,000

      gelatin silver print; stamped with the Bob Mizer Foundation stamp, signed by the foundation, titled, dated '2005' inscribed and numbered '1/3' on the reverse

      Sotheby's
    • BOB MIZER (1922 - 1992) | Untitled (Larry Lamb, Catalog #UH1-FH), 2005
      Sep. 28, 2018

      BOB MIZER (1922 - 1992) | Untitled (Larry Lamb, Catalog #UH1-FH), 2005

      Est: $2,000 - $3,000

      gelatin silver print; stamped with the Bob Mizer Foundation stamp, signed by the foundation, titled, dated '2005' inscribed and numbered '1/3' on the reverse

      Sotheby's
    • Bob Mizer Style Beefcake Cowboy Photograph.
      Sep. 27, 2017

      Bob Mizer Style Beefcake Cowboy Photograph.

      Est: $200 - $300

      Bob Mizer Style Beefcake Cowboy Photograph.

      Ashcroft and Moore
    • Vintage Bob Mizer AMG Male Nude Physique Photo
      Aug. 13, 2017

      Vintage Bob Mizer AMG Male Nude Physique Photo

      Est: $75 - $150

      Excellent sharp image on semi gloss double weight photo paper. Unstamped. Pencil and red ink notations to the reverse. Very good condition with some minor rippling and small creases. 10" x 8"

      District Auction
    • Bob Mizer Athletic Model Guild Book
      May. 20, 2017

      Bob Mizer Athletic Model Guild Book

      Est: -

      American Photography Of The Male Nude 1940-1970, Volume Vii. Published By Janssen. In Good Condition, Light Wear Around The Edges Of The Cover. Nr8209

      EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
    • BOB MIZER, A.M.G. (1922-1992): "THAD, DICK, JIM AND FRIEND," KELLY, TEX, BURTON AND FANNING" AND "HOWARD, DON AND JUAN"
      Feb. 16, 2013

      BOB MIZER, A.M.G. (1922-1992): "THAD, DICK, JIM AND FRIEND," KELLY, TEX, BURTON AND FANNING" AND "HOWARD, DON AND JUAN"

      Est: $600 - $900

      BOB MIZER, A.M.G. (1922-1992): "THAD, DICK, JIM AND FRIEND," KELLY, TEX, BURTON AND FANNING" AND "HOWARD, DON AND JUAN" Three black and white photographs, all signed in ink and dated '92 with athletic model guild stamp, from an edition of 25. 16 x 20 in. (sheet). The Collection of Jan Cowles.

      STAIR
    • MIZER, BOB Album containing 150 photographs of buff bodybuilders by Athletic Model Guild photographer Bob Mizer,
      Apr. 15, 2002

      MIZER, BOB Album containing 150 photographs of buff bodybuilders by Athletic Model Guild photographer Bob Mizer,

      Est: $2,500 - $3,500

      Swann Auction Galleries
    • MIZER, BOB
      Apr. 15, 2002

      MIZER, BOB

      Est: $2,500 - $3,500

      Album containing 150 photographs of buff bodybuilders by Athletic Model Guild photographer Bob Mizer, several of which make imaginative use of Medieval-era helmets, Hellenic period costumes, or backlit effects. Silver prints, 3 1/2 x4 1/2 inches and the reverse, with a numerical stamp on verso. Oblong folio, gilt-lettered leatherette, edgewear; photographs crisp and clean. 1950s-early 60s

      Swann Auction Galleries
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