Bob Mizer

Tom Christian and Paul Fox [king and slave], Los Angeles, 1969

9.625 × 6.625 ″ vintage color transparency chromogenic print

Mannerist works often evoke a sense of emotional tension, and this image is no exception. The intimate and intense interaction between the two figures, combined with the rich and detailed setting, creates a dramatic and emotionally charged atmosphere. The vibrant colors of the tapestry and the intricate designs on the headpieces and decorative objects give the image a rich, lavish feel. The figures in the image have an exaggerated posture. The man on the left displays an elongated neck and the positioning of his arms and body has an almost serpentine quality, reminiscent of Mannerist paintings where figures often have unnaturally stretched limbs and necks.