[Eugen Sandow, Ganzkörperporträt, sitzend auf Schemel nach rechts, Hände hinter dem Kopf, Feigenblatt tragend]

Vintage Glamour Photos.

Bodybuilding is a form of physical fitness training that involves the use of resistance training to develop the musculature of the body. It is a highly organized sport, with competitions taking place at the local, national, and international levels. The history of bodybuilding dates back to ancient times, when athletes and warriors used various forms of physical training to develop their strength and endurance. The modern form of bodybuilding, however, emerged in the 19th century, with the development of weight training as a form of exercise. The first organized bodybuilding competition took place in 1901, and the sport has continued to grow and evolve since then. Today, bodybuilding is a popular form of fitness training and competition, with millions of people around the world participating in the sport.

Napoleon Sarony (1821-1896) was a Canadian-American lithographer and photographer known for his portraits of famous people, including politicians, actors and other celebrities. Born in Quebec, Canada, he moved to New York City in the 1840s to pursue a career in lithography. He later switched to photography and opened his own studio in 1866. Sarony's portraits were noted for their theatricality and elaborate costumes, and he became one of the most sought-after photographers of his time. His most famous subjects included Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain and Buffalo Bill Cody. Sarony's legacy continues today, with many of his photographs considered iconic representations of their subjects.

Eugen Sandow, born Friedrich Wilhelm Müller in 1867 in Prussia (now Germany), is often referred to as the "father of modern bodybuilding." He was a pioneering figure in the field of physical culture and is credited with popularizing bodybuilding as a form of entertainment and physical fitness. Sandow's muscular physique and charismatic stage presence made him a sensation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sandow began his career as a circus performer and strongman, showcasing his strength and physique in various acts. He eventually gained widespread recognition for his chiseled physique and developed a unique combination of strength, aesthetics, and athleticism. Sandow's approach to bodybuilding emphasized symmetry, proportion, and posing, which laid the foundation for the aesthetic standards that continue to influence bodybuilding today. One of Sandow's most significant contributions to the fitness industry was his development of a system of physical training and exercise equipment. He authored several books on health, fitness, and strength training, promoting the benefits of exercise for both physical and mental well-being. Sandow's fame extended beyond his physical feats; he became a popular model for artists and sculptors, and his likeness was often used to represent the ideal male physique. He also organized bodybuilding competitions and exhibitions, including the first major bodybuilding contest, the Great Competition, held in 1901 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Despite his untimely death in 1925 at the age of 58, Eugen Sandow's legacy continues to influence the fitness industry. His emphasis on aesthetics, posing, and overall physical development set the stage for the evolution of modern bodybuilding as both a sport and a lifestyle.