From Buffalo Bill to Billy the Kid, cowboys have played an iconic role in American history. The thrill of the Wild West has become a major trait of pop culture, leading to numerous TV shows and movies. Symbol of an ideal masculinity represented by American icons such as John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, the Marlboro Man, or the Lone Ranger, the image of cowboys has evolved in parallel with society. Since the 00s, Hollywood has allowed a more nuanced sexual orientation with movies such as Brokeback Mountain (2005). In this way, the Hollywood Cowboy as a generic icon has redefined modern conceptions of heterosexuality and masculinity.
With this photograph, Dean West digs further into the cowboy's theme with this studio portrait of Cade plunged into darkness. The deliberate sobriety of the background drives the viewer straight to the essence of the subject while the choice of a restricted color palette adds mystery by highlighting the subject's high cheek bones, smooth hairless skin, sensual pout and sombrero texanas.