This is sort of a rehash of
an earlier post on the subject, but I couldn't leave well enough alone. As I continue to peruse through old print media, I'm struck again and again by the repeated image of the A-Frame.
The A-Frame is an image where you see a man or woman from the torso down from behind, with legs wide, and often a scene displayed through the open legs. You might call it the
For Your Eyes Only theme since that's probably its most recognizable use. I'm not sure why it's used so repeatedly, but it does bring up some sociological thoughts...
1. Below, I have a mosaic of both female A-Frames and a male A-Frames. Is there a significant difference between the two? In other words does it imply something different when there's a female with legs in the A-Frame versus when a man is doing it?
2. Some would claim the A-Frame is nothing more than ogling a woman's legs- but if that was the case, why an almost equal measure of male A-Frames through the years?
3. It would seem the A-Frame position denotes power - the individual appears larger and above the secondary figures. You'll notice that when it's a man in the A-Frame position, the power is from violence - i.e. a showdown between two cowboys, or a violent attacker. When it's a woman in the A-Frame position, it's almost always sexual - long slender legs, almost always with heels. James Bond in the
For Your Eyes Only movie poster may have the gun; however, there's no denying the anonymous, faceless woman has all the power.... the xexual power.
4. And finally, why always from the back? Why is it always a faceless, mysterious individual, rather than the A-Frame positioned toward the viewer with face visible? Something about this form is subconsciously compelling.
Male A Frame (click to enlarge)
Female A Frame (click to enlarge)