Michael Joseph (1941-) - Lady Admiring Machine - unique darkroom black and white print
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€ 59
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Selected by Kai Brückner
Over 35 years' experience; former gallery owner and Museum Folkwang curator.
Estimate € 500 - € 600
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Description from the seller
“Lady Admiring Machine”
Michael Joseph, 1960s
Original darkroom print, signed
A moment of mid-century mischief — crisp, comic, and perfectly staged.
At first glance, it’s a simple showroom scene:
a gleaming new machine,
a chic woman in her checked coat and fur trim,
and a salesman standing proudly at her side.
But pause for a second — and the photograph begins to sparkle with humour.
Is she genuinely impressed,
leaning in with the curiosity of a careful buyer?
Or is she inspecting it with the scepticism
of someone who knows a sales pitch when she hears one?
And the salesman — hands on hips, chest out,
the picture of confidence —
is he selling the product,
or simply enjoying the performance of selling?
Joseph turns an advertisement setup
into a miniature piece of theatre.
The tiled floor becomes a stage,
the spotless background a spotlight,
and the trio — woman, salesman, machine —
form a tidy little cast in this comedy of consumerism.
The wicker shopping basket,
with its neatly placed magazine advertising “Jazz,”
adds another sly detail:
a nod to modernity, aspiration, lifestyle —
all the elements that advertising of the era
was eager to wrap into even the most practical household purchase.
This is classic Michael Joseph:
a scene that appears straightforward
yet is filled with character, irony, and an unmistakable wink.
Long before his Beggars Banquet images roared with rebellious energy,
Joseph had already mastered the art of elevating the everyday
into something cinematic, stylish, and deeply human.
Printed in the 1960s,
this original darkroom print shows the crisp tonal range
and impeccable clarity that define his studio advertising work.
Released from the artist’s archive and preserved by his daughter,
it is a rare surviving piece from this playful period of his career.
Mounted to 50 × 40 cm.
It will be packaged with great care and devotion,
honouring the craftsmanship and history of these one-off vintage prints
from Michael Joseph’s collection.
Seller's Story
My father, Michael Joseph, was an advertising photographer based in London from the mid-sixties to the early nineties. During that time, he created some truly remarkable work — his most famous moment being the Beggars Banquet gatefold for the Rolling Stones.
My ongoing mission is to share and celebrate what we call 'the other photos' — the lesser-known but equally captivating pieces from his archive. Within this collection, you'll find a mix of test prints, images from specific photo shoots, and more personal works, all created with his characteristic passion and devotion.
Many of these images owe their atmosphere to the magic of the darkroom: intricate group scenes, striking still lifes, and moments that draw the viewer in and stir emotion. Variety is key - and I often offer unique, one-off pieces.
I hope you enjoy discovering my father’s work, and I look forward to sending you a genuine piece of photographic history.
Translated by Google Translate“Lady Admiring Machine”
Michael Joseph, 1960s
Original darkroom print, signed
A moment of mid-century mischief — crisp, comic, and perfectly staged.
At first glance, it’s a simple showroom scene:
a gleaming new machine,
a chic woman in her checked coat and fur trim,
and a salesman standing proudly at her side.
But pause for a second — and the photograph begins to sparkle with humour.
Is she genuinely impressed,
leaning in with the curiosity of a careful buyer?
Or is she inspecting it with the scepticism
of someone who knows a sales pitch when she hears one?
And the salesman — hands on hips, chest out,
the picture of confidence —
is he selling the product,
or simply enjoying the performance of selling?
Joseph turns an advertisement setup
into a miniature piece of theatre.
The tiled floor becomes a stage,
the spotless background a spotlight,
and the trio — woman, salesman, machine —
form a tidy little cast in this comedy of consumerism.
The wicker shopping basket,
with its neatly placed magazine advertising “Jazz,”
adds another sly detail:
a nod to modernity, aspiration, lifestyle —
all the elements that advertising of the era
was eager to wrap into even the most practical household purchase.
This is classic Michael Joseph:
a scene that appears straightforward
yet is filled with character, irony, and an unmistakable wink.
Long before his Beggars Banquet images roared with rebellious energy,
Joseph had already mastered the art of elevating the everyday
into something cinematic, stylish, and deeply human.
Printed in the 1960s,
this original darkroom print shows the crisp tonal range
and impeccable clarity that define his studio advertising work.
Released from the artist’s archive and preserved by his daughter,
it is a rare surviving piece from this playful period of his career.
Mounted to 50 × 40 cm.
It will be packaged with great care and devotion,
honouring the craftsmanship and history of these one-off vintage prints
from Michael Joseph’s collection.
Seller's Story
My father, Michael Joseph, was an advertising photographer based in London from the mid-sixties to the early nineties. During that time, he created some truly remarkable work — his most famous moment being the Beggars Banquet gatefold for the Rolling Stones.
My ongoing mission is to share and celebrate what we call 'the other photos' — the lesser-known but equally captivating pieces from his archive. Within this collection, you'll find a mix of test prints, images from specific photo shoots, and more personal works, all created with his characteristic passion and devotion.
Many of these images owe their atmosphere to the magic of the darkroom: intricate group scenes, striking still lifes, and moments that draw the viewer in and stir emotion. Variety is key - and I often offer unique, one-off pieces.
I hope you enjoy discovering my father’s work, and I look forward to sending you a genuine piece of photographic history.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Date of print
1969
Artist
Michael Joseph (1941-)
Sold by
Owner or reseller
Title of artwork
Lady Admiring Machine - unique darkroom black and white print
Condition
Original State
Technique
Gelatin-silver print
Height
31 cm
Edition
One-off test print by the photographer
Width
28 cm
Signature
Hand signed
Genre
Fashion
Sold by
