Bob Mizer

Xan Chartrell [handstand #13], Los Angeles, c.1973

9.625 × 6.625 ″ vintage color transparency chromogenic print

Captured in 1973, this evocative photograph brilliantly juxtaposes modernity with classical artistry. The male figure's sinuous, elongated form, arched in a gravity-defying pose, reflects the stylistic nuances of Renaissance Mannerist paintings. In the background, a miniature replica of Michelangelo's iconic "Statue of David" stands poised, echoing the celebration of the human form. The contrast of the man's dynamic pose against David's poised stance amplifies the photograph's dramatic tension. The pale, striated curtain further elevates the visual dialogue between the two figures. This image not only highlights the splendor of 20th-century photographic art but also pays homage to 16th-century European masterpieces.