Gay For The Fans J.C. Leyendecker

Gay For The Fans: J. C. Leyendecker tells the unknown story of artist J.C. Leyendecker, whose drawings of handsome, sophisticated gentlemen drew appreciation from women and admiration from men. But Leyendecker was forced to keep a secret in his work and his life: He was gay. In fact, his main model and muse, the one who earned those admiring glances from all audiences, was his lover and life partner Charles Beach. This profound biography reveals the ways that Leyendecker's artwork for national brands was coded with messages that spoke volumes to his LGTBQ fans, but remained hidden from his clients. By exploring Leyendecker's personal story through the lens of his work, this book reveals the life of a homosexual who became a giant in the art world and a legend in American swag–all while being gay. If his life can serve as a role model to young men who have been bullied or taught to think less of themselves for their sexual orientation, all the better.