150

MATT (Charles Krebs)

1940-2002

Untitled (Drawing of a Man with Hands Folded). 19898.

Graphite on wove paper
Signed, dated and inscribed in pencil, lower right.
12 1/2 x 8 1/2 in. (31.8 x 21.6 cm.)

  • Provenance: Private collection, New York.

    Charles Edward Kerbs, better known by his pen name MATT, was born in New Orleans, LA, and became an artist, actor, and playwright active in the late twentieth century, known for his erotic illustrations. As a teenager, he found a talent for drawing the male form, especially wrestlers, cowboys, leathermen, and servicemen. He was an avid reader of Physique Pictorial and drew inspiration from artists such as Tom of Finland, Harry Bush, and Art Bob. His drawings were first published in the Grecian Guild Pictorial when Kerbs was 16 years old. In the 1960s, Kerbs submitted his portfolio to Bob Mizer, who was impressed with Kerbs' work and published it in the Athletic Model Guild. According to Bill Schmeling, Mizer suggested Kerbs adopt the pen name MATT because of his talent for depicting "men-on-the-mats." Kerbs' erotic drawings were massively successful, appearing in every issue of Honcho magazine as well as other major leather, S&M, and fetish publications such as Drummer. Throughout the 1960s, he worked as a set designer in theatres and continued to contribute to gay publications.
  • Condition:
    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

August 21, 2025 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0-100,000:
25.0%
$100,001-1,000,000:
20.0%
$1,000,001+:
12.0%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000