Mike Miksche
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
1925
Steve Masters | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | David Leo Miksche 1925 |
| Died | 1964 (aged 38–39) |
| Other names | Mike Miksche, Steve Masters, Scott Masters |
| Known for | Erotic illustration |
Mike Miksche (1925–1964), widely known by his pen name Steve Masters, was an American artist active in the mid-twentieth century, known for his erotic illustrations.[1][2]
Born as "David Leo Miksche," Miksche was raised in Oregon but later relocated to New York City.[3][4] He was of Czech ancestry and, having grown to a height of six foot three, became known for his formidable appearance.[4]
Miksche enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a flight captain.[1] After completing his service, he became a fashion illustrator.[2] In his professional life, Miksche drew advertising and commercial artwork for companies such as Sports Illustrated.[5][6] He also modeled for Marlboro's "Marlboro Man" ad campaign.[6]
In the 1950s and 1960s, Miksche created erotic art under the pen name Steve Masters (and reportedly Scott Masters as well).[1][4] Miksche chose his pen name in part for its initials, SM, which were a coded indication of his sexual interest in sadomasochism (otherwise known as S&M).[4] He depicted S&M in much of his art.[1][2] His physique drawings and male nude drawings were featured in major gay publications such as Physique Pictorial and BIG Magazine.[5]
Miksche's friend Glenway Wescott described him as "a giant Paul Bunyan type, very strong, with a magnificent physique [and a] tyrannous, psychological sadism... He wanted to dominate everybody... was a terrific performer... [and] a showoff."[4]
Miksche met Alfred Kinsey in New York and guided him through the city's BDSM scene.[7] Kinsey introduced Miksche to Samuel Steward, and the three agreed to allow Kinsey to film Miksche and Steward engage in S&M sex acts for his eponymous institute.[1][4][7] Miksche and Steward's encounter was the first same-sex film shot by the Kinsey Institute.[4]
Miksche was prone to violence; on at least one occasion, he broke a lover's ribs.[4] According to Wescott, many in the S&M community feared Miksche.[4] Kinsey came to regard Miksche dangerous and unstable.[4]
Miksche died in 1964 after a long battle with depression.[2][5] The cause of death is disputed.[4][5] Miksche is reported to have committed suicide by jumping into the Hudson River.[4] However, according to Wescott, Miksche was rescued from the river and died of a drug overdose on a rooftop.[4] Whether this drug overdose was intentional or not is also disputed.[5]
Following Miksche's death, much of his art was destroyed by his ex-wife.[5] The Kinsey Institute and the Leather Archives & Museum hold most of Miksche's surviving art.[2][8]
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