Nivea Nude, London, 1980s Michael Joseph Original hand-printed darkroom photograph Warm-toned print on ultra-thin Kodalith paper Signed and titled in ink Presented in an upcycled gilt frame A study in simplicity and strength — intimate, elegant, and unmistakably of its era. This rare vintage photograph offers a quieter, more contemplative moment from a Nivea advertising commission photographed in London during the 1980s. While the final published campaign opted for a safer, more conventional image, this earlier frame reveals something far more compelling: a portrait of calm poise, unguarded beauty, and a woman entirely at ease within her own form. The Image Soft, diffused light sculpts the figure with clarity and restraint. A simple white cloth is wrapped loosely at the hips — a minimal intervention that heightens the image’s sense of purity and composure rather than concealment. The model’s posture is relaxed, self-possessed, her head gently turned, lending the photograph a quiet introspection. The pale, marble-like backdrop acts as a neutral plane, amplifying the sculptural quality of the body and allowing line, tone, and presence to take precedence. The overall effect is one of balance and understatement — modern, classical, and deeply human. An Unused Moment For the final campaign image, the model was positioned facing away from the camera — a decision shaped by the commercial expectations of the period. This version, where she faces the viewer, remained unpublished, preserved only within the photographer’s archive. It is precisely this abandoned frame that feels the most honest. Less guarded, less mediated, it embraces presence over polish and intimacy over convention — a reminder that the most resonant images are often those set aside. Context and Provenance Printed by Michael Joseph in the darkroom, this is an authentic vintage photograph from the artist’s archive. The verso retains original studio markings, tape remnants, and period mounting evidence, offering quiet but important insight into Joseph’s working practice and provenance. Framing The photograph is presented in an ornate gilt frame with baroque detailing, its richness deliberately contrasting with the image’s spare modernism. Frame dimensions: approx. 34 cm (width) × 40.5 cm (height) × 5 cm (depth). This interplay between classical ornament and restrained photographic form lends the piece a sense of timeless gravitas, elevating it beyond its commercial origin. Why This Work Matters A rare, unpublished alternative from a significant 1980s advertising commission An original darkroom print from the photographer’s archive A sensitive, confident study of the female form, free from spectacle A compelling crossover work bridging fashion, advertising, and fine-art photography A moment reclaimed. A beauty redefined. A distinctive addition to any serious collection of vintage fashion photography, advertising imagery, or post-war British photographic work. The piece will be packed with great care and devotion and dispatched promptly, ensuring safe arrival. Offered by the photographer's daughter, with close attention to the preservation and placement of this one-off historical print. For bidders in the USA: a contribution toward customs charges has been included within the postage cost, so there should be nothing further for you to pay. This applies unless government import fees change after the listing has been published.