Collection of Five (5) Erotic Illustrations by MATT, 1980s.
Ink and graphite on paper.
Each signed on the lower right.

Various sizes; largest: 18 x 12 in. (45.7 x 30.5 cm)

Notes:
Known professionally by his pen name MATT, Charles Kerbs (1940–2002) was an American illustrator, actor and playwright active in his native New Orleans and in New York City during the latter half of the twentieth century. Celebrated for his dynamic depictions of male wrestlers, he was memorialized by fellow erotic artist Bill Schmeling (The Hun) as the “all-time great erotic wrestling artist.” [1]

As a teenager, Kerbs was an early subscriber to Physique Pictorial where he encountered the homoerotic work of artists such as Harry Bush and Tom of Finland. At just sixteen years old, his own illustrations were published in the physique magazine, Grecian Guild, which marked the beginning of a career as an erotic artist that would span some four decades.

In the 1960s, Kerbs submitted a portfolio to Bob Mizer of the Athletic Model Guild. Mizer suggested that he adopt the professional name “MATT”, an acronym for “men-on-the-mats”, in reference to Kerbs’ dynamic wrestling compositions.

Kerbs’ work celebrated hypermasculine archetypes —cowboys, cops, construction workers, servicemen, sailors and leathermen— rendered in bold lines with exaggerated musculature and often depicted in bondage or erotic scenarios. His illustrations regularly appeared in influential fetish and leather publications including Drummer. Kerbs also designed calendars, posters, book covers and illustrated nearly every issue Honcho published during his lifetime as well as the short-lived Foreskin Quarterly magazine. Toward the end of his career, Kerbs began self-publishing mail-order portfolios of his drawings and adult comic books.

[1] The Hun, “Remembering MATT”, Tom of Finland Foundation Dispatch (Fall 2002)

The largest work is toned along the right edge and bears an adhesive label verso. One (1) work bears a small adhesive tape pull tab that has been affixed verso. Various conditions consistent with age, many may display toning, foxing, minor soiling, and adhesive residue on the front and verso.

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