Before the Dawn of Tom

Tom of Finland is unarguably the most well-known gay erotic artist of the 20th century, but paving the way for his all-balls-out art was a group of American artists who created a more subtle, coded visual style.

BY Christopher Harrity

July 09 2011 4:00 AM ET

EAKINS SALUTAT X560 | ADVOCATE.COM

Thomas Eakins
July 25, 1844 – June 25, 1916

Eakins was a realist of the early 20th century. His soulful portraits and evocative location pieces were devoted to education and scientific exploration. He was also a developed figurative artist with a deep interest in the structure and machinery of the human body. Eakins was a sexual free spirit, and his relationships with his students and his models — both male and female — created scandals that almost eclipsed his reputation as an artist.