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AEDThe Hun (William Schmeling) (American, 1938-2019)
About Seller
1155 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02909
United States
Vallot Auctioneers was founded in 2003 as a fine art specialty auction house in Tribeca, and recognized as one of the first fine art specialty auction galleries in Manhattan. Now based in Providence, RI, the auction house continues the excellence in focusing on bringing fresh quality lots to the mar...Read more
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About Auction
LiveJun 18, 2026
Our AFTER DARK/SUMMER auction features fine art that celebrates the beauty of the male form across a variety of genres and mediums, from late 19th-Century depictions of affectionate men, to daring new approaches to gender and sexuality in contemporary art. Our latest catalog showcases exceptional works from gay trailblazers such as Paul Cadmus, Wilhelm von Gloeden, René Bolliger, Sam Steward, and many more. Vallots Auctioneers info@vallots.com
View Full Catalog (125)
- Lot Description
Aquarius, 1978.
Graphite on paper.
This work was used for a set of zodiac-themed prints by "A Taste of Leather San Francisco." From the collection of Angelo Cantera, a prominent art collector honored by the Tom of Finland Foundation.
Signed within the image "THE HUN"; Titled verso, "Aquarius"; Collector's name inscribed, possibly by the artist as a gift, "Angelo Cantera".
17 x 14 in (43.2 x 35.6 cm).
Notes:
Bill Schmeling, best-known by his pseudonym The Hun, was an American cartoonist who became a leading figure in the world of homoerotic and fetish art. Schmeling began his professional career in the 1960s working as an illustrator for beefcake magazines like Physique Pictorial under the pen name Torro. Though he did not receive formal artistic training, Schmeling absorbed the example of prominent contemporary artists active in homoerotic and fetish arts scene —Etienne, Al Schapiro (A. Jay), Domino, REX, and Bill Ward— in developing his own unique visual style. Schmeling was a lifelong friend of Tom of Finland and, in 2002, he was the third inductee of the Tom of Finland Foundation’s Erotic Artist Hall of Fame, celebrating his unique contributions to the genre of erotic art. [1]
His artistic persona, The Hun, was inspired by the historical nomadic tribe which besieged Europe between the 4th and 6th centuries CE reflective of the raw and violent content present in his work. Schmeling’s art often depicted exaggerated forms of masculinity and explored themes such as leather culture, power dynamics, and the complexities of same-sex desire.
[1] “Bill ‘the Hun’ Schmeling | 30th April 1938 – 12th September 2019.” Tom of Finland Foundation. September 13, 2019. https://www.tomoffinland.org/bill-the-hun-schmeling-30th-april-1938-12th-september-2019/
Condition
Adhesive residue verso. Otherwise nothing adverse to note.
For further condition details, or additional details, please contact info@vallots.com
- Provenance
Estate of Angelo Cantera, Washington State;
Property of an International Institution.
- Shipping Info
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We do not offer in-house packing and shipping services. Shipping can be expensive, please consider obtaining an estimate prior to bidding. Below we have listed our preferred shipper as a courtesy, and we will be glad to assist you with your third-party shipping needs, however, we assume no liability for any shipper you use or any loss or damage occasioned in transport or otherwise as a result of shipping.
THE UPS STORE - CRANSTON
148 Atwood Ave, Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 654-6381
THE UPS STORE - PARSONAGE STREET
22 Parsonage Street, Providence, RI 02903
(401) 369-7029
IN PERSON PICK-UPS
In person pick-ups are to be scheduled by appointment during business hours (weekdays 9-4 pm) at 1155 Westminster St. Providence, RI 02909. Please call (401) 273-1618 or email: info@vallots.com
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