I've seen this described as Tom's best picture.
There's an endearing feeling of nostalgia as Tom's musclebound cop (his 'alter ego'),
extends a hand to the younger generation, each dressed for their own era. It brings new meaning to grooming. Tom was 65 when he drew this and AIDS was at it's height, decimating the gay community, so it seems an appropriate gesture. Note the envious horse!
My article on Tom of Finland
in the 'A-Z of Fetish Artists' series comes in 9 parts
Careless men, Tom's harder edge, his technique and influences
The classic 'lost leathers' episodes - and some bizarre diversions, misogyny, husbands and hijackers
Man hunting leads Kake to the dungeon - and a story of revenge that doesn't fit
A final flourish of conflict and masculinity ends with a damp squib
The darker themes no-one wants to acknowledge
Stereotypes, sportsmen and the thrill of forbidden fraternisation
A final flowering in maturity
In addition, there are other articles about Tom of Finland here:-
Selected series
Bar Predators, Bar Predators Revisited - reviewing and extending a popular series, arguably his best.
New unearthed artwork - 3 motorcyclists cavort in mud, from 1959
The Thieving Cowboy - bondage and spanking from 1957
The Mystery of Mr Universe - skulduggery and justice from 1961
Drawing Style and Themes
The Petulant Leatherman - surprising attitudes and unexpected emotions in one picture
Boot Worship part of an article on another artist
Boot Worship part of an article on another artist
Tailors
and hidden eroticism - hero worship as a
form of submissiveness.
Tom's Sailors , Tom's Sailors 2
Beards in Tom of Finland - their frequency and significance
Tom's Beard in the Pekka story 'Loggers' - the ' Loggers' seduction scene
Beards in Tom of Finland - their frequency and significance
Tom's Beard in the Pekka story 'Loggers' - the ' Loggers' seduction scene
Tom and Fascism - The historical background
Classic Homoerotic Images - Leather Buddies
You can find further references and images by clicking on the 'Tom of Finland' label at the foot of the post or by using the search function (top right, sidebar column)
Originally published 21st Nov 2014
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