A hard thing to axe

One of the many haunting images handed down to us from medieval times is that of the executioner. Though carrying out a legally adjudicated death sentence, the executioner is often depicted as wearing a hood designed to conceal his identity from those who might seek revenge.

A member of that grim profession who decapitated his client was sometimes called a headsman. Performing this task with a sword or an axe required a man of mighty strength. So it's not surprising that today hooded executioners are often depicted as stocky, muscle-bound mesomorphs. But as this month's photo set shows, a man with a long, lean body can also demonstrate some skill at wielding a tool of terror.

Of course, executioners weren't limited to beheading. The fabled hangman would impose the death penalty with a noose around the criminal's neck. Consequently, it only made sense to find an executioner who could show that he knew a thing or two about being hung.

So in this Halloween month of scary images and haunting costumes, turn your imagination loose as you check out the series we call The Sexecutioner, now on full display in the Nakedism galleries. Then prepare your tender throat for the onslaught of the sentence you so richly deserve.