The Ancient Greeks and Nudity
As many already know, the Ancient Greeks had a real appreciation of the male body--in terms of athletic ability, aesthetics, even sensuousness and eroticism. It's no surprise then that the first Olympics were performed naked, with thousands of spectators. Now imagine if that were the case today? Especially here in the US (which has its roots in Puritanism)--I suspect vice squads would be closing in, all sorts of accusations of indecency, etc. etc. Fortunately, nudism gives us a sane outlook on such projections. Nakedness and the nude human figure are regarded as completely natural and integrated into our everyday social life and recreation. I've chosen to focus this group on MALE nudity (since there are so many already having to do with female nudity) and the beauty of the nude male body.
Great idea for a group! That's why I joined. Hopefully I'll be good luck for you and others will follow me in.
I echo what you just said. My biggest thing is I have a hard time finding well made artwork on the male nude form. When I do see it, the paintings come off as looking dorky and unprofessional. Like finding a needle in a haystack. I did see some stuff online recently that was done in the Greco Roman style and it was a joy to admire. The female form is all over the place. Especially in the Art Deco period.
Congradulations on another great group. I love the form of the Ancient Greek nude male body, it's just so natural to see a beautiful nude body. There are 1000's of beautiful pictures on this site that are great examples of the beautiful male form. Stay nude.
The ancient Greeks are perhaps best known for celebrating the naked man in art, but many cultures have a high acceptance of the naked male without all the homophobia we find for example in the US today. We are created naked and for most of human history it has been our most natural state.
I, too, find the male body beautiful in its natural state. Yes some can be abused and neglected and some can be over developed, but most are very beautiful. Nothing wrong with thinking a male body is beautiful. Too bad in our society the human body must be covered in most places. Celebrate your body. Show it off.
My top motto is: The Fit, Fully Nude, Fully Exposed, Human Form is the True Art Form
Unfortunately, subversive and deranged factions in the world both now, and throughout past centuries, have brainwashed much of humanity, and vilified most all natural, normal, aspects of human existence; especially appreciation of human body and body functions, and even more so with regard to male body and bodily function.
I hope that nudism and naturism with become more common with the upcoming generations, and that appreciation of the nude exposed human forms will regain their natural importance in all societies of the world. To those ends, the nude exposed male form should be promoted and openly boldly displayed when ever and where ever possible, as the pure true art form it is...of course the nude female should receive the same ...
Keith
Back to the ancient Greeks: Yes they had a healthy, open attitude to nudity. Athletes had to be naked. But women were not allowed to participate or watch. Also exposing the penis head was considered indecent. It had to be covered by a foreskin. They even had something to tie on the end to ensure the penis head was not inadvertently exposed during athletic activity. Thankfully the ancient Greeks left many statues showing the naked male. The Romans did the same. I think their take on life may have been more sexual but...
I created a studio set and posed myself in the Greco-Roman Classical style, about 20 years ago. Some of them I've posted on TN. I've loved that art style since I was a schoolboy when I saw paintings in the art galleries and pictures in books. By the way, the Ancient Greeks attached more significance to the testicles, treating the penis with less importance, so I've read.
I have uploaded on of my best 'Classical' portraits to the group.