Bob Mizer

Deuse Hathcock (with monkey), Los Angeles, 1968

9.625 × 6.625 ″ vintage color transparency chromogenic print

Drawing unmistakably from the aesthetic undertones of Mannerism, the photograph portrays a harmonious yet enigmatic interaction between man and monkey. The elongated, graceful pose of the man is reminiscent of Mannerist figures, exuding an exaggerated, almost surreal beauty. The monkey, serving as an unconventional subject, mirrors the Mannerists' inclination toward the unusual, adding a layer of deep emotion and intricate symbolism. The background, populated with Greco-Roman architectural props, pays homage to Mannerism's penchant for blending different eras. The statues and columns, with their complex details, echo the intricate, detailed backgrounds of Mannerist paintings. This tableau evokes the tension and drama found in Mannerist masterpieces.