PIERRE GASNIER

A circus strong man from the 1890's who inspired many early bodybuilers - Gasnier performed with the Barnum and Bailey Circus. Note the tattoos on his arms... in the Victorian era, tattoos were found only on men who had travelled to exotic lands, and were a real fascination to the visitors to the circus at that time. Here Gasnier breaks a chain over his chest while expanding his ribcage, his trademark stunt. The leather wrist cuffs would not only have been helpful support for some of his strongman stunts, but they certainly add to the look of strength this man has.