The Great Barrington Boy II

Abstract George Platt Lynes’s photographer friend Harold Griffith, acting as Russell’s agent, purchases George’s equipment at auction, which George “borrows” back from Russell. The sale satisfies the IRS claim. George declares bankruptcy, thus avoiding payment on the disputed Hollywood decorating bill. By summer 1952, local crime convinces George to leave Hell’s Kitchen for Russell’s. Young “Buddy” McCarthy visits from Boston to model and share George’s bed. George invites Buddy to live with him, but Buddy demurs. Sam Steward recommends a “Negro” youth, Johnny Leaphart, as a model and sexual prospect. George poses him and Buddy for sensual nude images together, producing a classic Lynes picture, “Man in His Element.” George moves to East 61st Street. His finances remain shaky. George shoots a studio series of a lithe blond stripped to the waist; his looming shadow is thrown upon the rear wall. One is entitled “The Great Barrington Boy”—nearly a doppelganger for Lynes in his youth.