Intimate Companions: A Triography of George Platt Lynes, Paul Cadmus, Lincoln Kirstein, and Their Circle

Photographer George Platt Lynes, painter Paul Cadmus, and critic Lincoln Kirstein were instrumental in shaping the institutions of the American art world from the late 1920s to the early 1950s. The three individuals, with the support of their shared circle of friends, lovers, and collaborators, created a remarkable world of gay aesthetics and desire in art.

Through extensive conversations with surviving members of their circle and unprecedented access to papers, journals, and previously unreleased photos, David Leddick has resurrected the influences of this now-vanished art world, along with the intricate lives and loves of all three artists in this groundbreaking biography.

The trio played a pivotal role in the development of the American art scene during this period. Lynes, Cadmus, and Kirstein collaborated closely, leveraging their diverse talents and perspectives to shape the cultural landscape. Lynes, known for his photography, captured the essence of the gay aesthetic, while Cadmus, a talented painter, infused his work with themes of desire and sexuality. Kirstein, a respected critic, provided intellectual discourse and critical analysis that further elevated the status of their artistic pursuits.

The overlapping network of friends, lovers, and collaborators served as a vital support system, enabling the three artists to explore and express their shared sensibilities. This close-knit community provided a safe haven for their artistic and personal explorations, fostering an environment that celebrated the diversity of human experiences and perspectives.

Leddick's meticulous research, coupled with his access to the artists' personal archives, has allowed him to shed light on the intricate relationships and creative processes that defined this influential period in American art. By delving into the lives and loves of Lynes, Cadmus, and Kirstein, the author has resurrected a pivotal moment in the evolution of the American art world, where the boundaries of traditional aesthetics were challenged and redefined.

This groundbreaking biography serves as a testament to the enduring impact of these three individuals, whose contributions continue to shape our understanding of the art world and its complex intersections with issues of sexuality, identity, and cultural expression. Through the lens of their personal narratives, Leddick has woven a tapestry that illuminates the enduring significance of the American art scene during this transformative era.

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