Gay Pride Statue - Naked Men wearing Shoes and hat - by M. Nick

Erotic Sculpture: Naked Man with Shoes and Hat – Signed by M. Nick

Crafted at the Atelier de la Grande Métairie in Paris, the erotic sculpture "Naked Man with Shoes and Hat" transcends mere decoration. The bronze surface shimmers with polished confidence, evoking the gleam of a lover's gaze in candlelight. The relaxed contrapposto of the young figure, a booted foot resting on a simple frame, symbolizes the veneration of male vulnerability and masculine elegance.

Origins in Lyon's Creative Melting Pot

Born in 1978 in historic Lyon, France, M. Nick immersed himself in a world of Renaissance elegance and modern reinvention. His childhood spent strolling along the cobblestone streets and absorbing the flickering light of the Rhône River left a lasting impression on his sensibilities. From a young age, he devoured art history books and sketched classical statues at the Musée des Beaux-Arts. This formative period was deeply etched in his memory and later reflected in the delicate contours and confident posture of his gay sculpture art .

The Nuanced Pose of the Figure

Every level of the body reveals M. Nick's deep understanding of human anatomy and emotions. The slight tilt of the head beneath the broad-brimmed hat conveys playful curiosity, while the subtle tension of the abdominal muscles suggests restrained energy. The sculptor's decision to pair elegant lace-up boots with an otherwise nude figure deliberately evokes the duality of strength and openness—an artistic choice that particularly resonates with communities seeking identity affirmation.

Technical Mastery in Bronze

M. Nick's signature bronze casting technique is based on a sophisticated lost-wax process refined over decades. Working with master foundries, he ensured that every delicate finger, every edge of the hat brim, was captured with crystal-clear precision. The final patina, a warm amber glow, lends the work both timelessness and modern appeal—qualities that make it an outstanding work of contemporary queer sculpture.

Artistic Development and Influences

M. Nick studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, and his early works tended toward stylized abstraction. A formative residency in Berlin in 2006 introduced him to the vibrant queer art scene and catalyzed his turn to figurative, body-centered themes. This development is clearly visible here: the figure's bold nudity reflects both classical inspirations and the urgency of modern dialogues surrounding freedom, desire, and self-affirmation.

Context of Creation

When this work was unveiled, public art festivals across Europe increasingly embraced diverse narratives. M. Nick presented the work at the Salon de la Sculpture Contemporaine in Lyon and immediately received critical acclaim. It was seen as a catalyst for the burgeoning gay pride statue movement, bridging the gap between decorative bronze art and powerful social critique.

Cultural Resonance and Legacy

Signed "M. Nick" at the base of the frame, the sculpture now graces private collections and galleries dedicated to LGBTQ+ creativity. Its evocation of overt strength and subtle seduction has inspired younger generations of artists exploring the theme of liberation through naked men. More than an art object, it functions as a beacon—a reminder that the simplest representation of the body can speak volumes.

Why this work endures

Even years after its creation in Paris, the erotic sculpture – Naked Man with Shoes and Hat – remains a benchmark for sincerity and craftsmanship. M. Nick's vision lives on, as the work combines technical precision with deeply felt expression, creating an emblematic work of gay pride statue that continues to inspire conversations about identity, beauty, and pride.

Height: 26,5 cm

Width:14,5 cm

Depth:  9 cm

Weight: 1,5 kg

100% Bronze