Since the Ancient Greeks, artists have sculpted and painted perfect physiques. Now, around 25 contemporary photographers and artists including Annie Leibovitz, Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Marc Hom are turning their attention to a modern day Adonis: David Beckham. More than 50 photographs of the former Manchester United and England footballer are due to go on show at Phillips in London on 27 February as part of a charity auction on 10 March in support of 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund and Positive View Foundation. Kathy Adler, curator of David Beckham: The Man and the former director of education at the National Gallery, London, describes Beckham as an “icon of modern masculinity” who has redefined counter-cultural concepts such as tattooing. “His appeal is ubiquitous: he is happy being a gay icon, a teenage idol, a spokesperson for sport and a UNICEF goodwill ambassador,” Adler says.