“Man drinking under table” – Original Vintage Darkroom Print by Michael Joseph (England 1970s) A masterclass in orchestrated theatricality, this is a delightfully eccentric tableau from British photographer Michael Joseph. Set in what appears to be an English country garden, the scene brims with character and wit: parasols, lace, top hats, and silver service surround a flamboyant gathering mid-toast. With its lavish costume and playful decadence, it captures both old-world charm and surreal humour. Michael Joseph (b. 1941) is celebrated for his bold, witty group compositions, which defined much of British visual culture from the 1960s to the 1990s. Known for pushing the boundaries of fashion and portraiture, his ensembles always danced between chaos and control - appearing spontaneous yet brilliantly choreographed. Within the trade, any fantastical staged photograph of this kind came simply to be known as “a Michael Joseph.” This authentic silver gelatin print was hand-printed by Joseph in the darkroom. The vintage mounting on card, combined with the tactile depth of traditional process, lends the work a richness unmatched by later reproductions. Details: Artist: Michael Joseph Title: Man drinking under table (title hand-written by the photographer) Medium: Original silver gelatin darkroom print on card Date: 1970s Dimensions of mount: 40 cm × 50 cm (image itself ) Condition: Very good; card only very slightly aged, consistent with vintage prints Playful, clever, and timelessly stylish, this photograph is a quintessential Joseph - an exuberant piece of visual theatre that embodies his enduring reputation as one of Britain’s great image-makers.