A newcomer might wonder why this set starring Eloise A. bears a man’s name. More experienced enthusiasts, however, will instantly recognize the name, the man, and his legendary stature. Fashion photographer, artist, rebel, actor, film maker, sexual explorer, erotic icon — Roy Stuart is all these things, and many more. He has directed two feature films, and his art photo books are published by also-legendary art house, Taschen. And he’s no stranger to MetArt, either. In fact as I write this he has no fewer than 76 series in our archives, some dating back to the very earliest days of the site. An American who left his home, first for England before settling permanently in France, Roy Stuart is an erotic artist’s erotic artist, and a photographer’s photographer.

This series could not have been created by anyone but Roy Stuart. His indelible signature is all over it. There is a stark, natural, almost documentary quality to the lighting and camerawork. The model is the very picture of natural — relaxed, dressed as she would in “real” life, without make-up and unshaven. No designer lingerie, she wears cotton panties. No stiletto heels, her shoes are high-top Converse All Stars. No stockings here, just socks. Imagine a lazy day, in and out of bed, with an uninhibited girlfriend — this pictorial is rich with that kind of “day in the life” realism.