Michael Joseph (1941-) - Nude in sheep, small darkroom print by the photographer
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Current bid
€ 25
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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
“Nude in Sheep” — Signed Fine Art Photograph by Michael Joseph (with Mount)
This extraordinary photograph captures one of those rare, unrepeatable moments — where wild weather, human direction, and animal instinct briefly align to create something quiet and spellbinding. What appears, at first glance, to be a serene and almost surreal composition — a nude figure resting among sheep — is, in truth, the product of beautifully orchestrated chaos.
Several hundred metres from the scene, the photographer directed events via walkie-talkie as makeup artists, shepherds, and stylists worked against gusting wind, drifting drizzle, and the stubborn independence of the flock. Land Rovers dotted the hillside. Temporary fencing marked the invisible borders of the frame. And the sheep, entirely unfazed by the logistics of art-making, obeyed only their own rhythm.
Yet through meticulous composition, exquisite tonal control, and perfectly judged cropping, all trace of the bustle dissolves. What remains is a sculptural, meditative image — tactile with wool and skin, ancient in feeling yet unmistakably modern in intent. My father chose this particular negative for printing because of the unforgettable presence of the single black-faced sheep gazing directly toward the shepherdess — a moment of quiet recognition, miraculously caught and forever held.
Client: International Wool Foundation (IWF)
Artist: Michael Joseph
Edition: Unique darkroom item
Signed: Yes, on the front
Print Type: Fine art silver gelatin print, darkroom produced on Kodak paper in the 1970s
Mount Size: 40 cm wide x 30 cm high
This is a true one-of-a-kind print, the only example in existence at this size. A rare collector’s piece for admirers of conceptual photography, pastoral narratives, and visually layered storytelling.
Securely packaged with tracking and dispatched with the greatest care — from one devoted steward of photographic history to its next guardian.
#MichaelJosephLondon #FineArtPhotography #VintageDarkroomPrint #SignedPhotography #ConceptualPhotography #PastoralArt #SheepAndShepherdess #BritishPhotography #OneOfAKindArt #SilverGelatinPrint #PhotographyCollectors #TimelessImage
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“Nude in Sheep” — Signed Fine Art Photograph by Michael Joseph (with Mount)
This extraordinary photograph captures one of those rare, unrepeatable moments — where wild weather, human direction, and animal instinct briefly align to create something quiet and spellbinding. What appears, at first glance, to be a serene and almost surreal composition — a nude figure resting among sheep — is, in truth, the product of beautifully orchestrated chaos.
Several hundred metres from the scene, the photographer directed events via walkie-talkie as makeup artists, shepherds, and stylists worked against gusting wind, drifting drizzle, and the stubborn independence of the flock. Land Rovers dotted the hillside. Temporary fencing marked the invisible borders of the frame. And the sheep, entirely unfazed by the logistics of art-making, obeyed only their own rhythm.
Yet through meticulous composition, exquisite tonal control, and perfectly judged cropping, all trace of the bustle dissolves. What remains is a sculptural, meditative image — tactile with wool and skin, ancient in feeling yet unmistakably modern in intent. My father chose this particular negative for printing because of the unforgettable presence of the single black-faced sheep gazing directly toward the shepherdess — a moment of quiet recognition, miraculously caught and forever held.
Client: International Wool Foundation (IWF)
Artist: Michael Joseph
Edition: Unique darkroom item
Signed: Yes, on the front
Print Type: Fine art silver gelatin print, darkroom produced on Kodak paper in the 1970s
Mount Size: 40 cm wide x 30 cm high
This is a true one-of-a-kind print, the only example in existence at this size. A rare collector’s piece for admirers of conceptual photography, pastoral narratives, and visually layered storytelling.
Securely packaged with tracking and dispatched with the greatest care — from one devoted steward of photographic history to its next guardian.
#MichaelJosephLondon #FineArtPhotography #VintageDarkroomPrint #SignedPhotography #ConceptualPhotography #PastoralArt #SheepAndShepherdess #BritishPhotography #OneOfAKindArt #SilverGelatinPrint #PhotographyCollectors #TimelessImage
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
1971
Artist
Michael Joseph (1941-)
Sold by
Owner or reseller
Title of artwork
Nude in sheep, small darkroom print by the photographer
Condition
Very fine
Technique
Gelatin-silver print
Height
14.6 cm
Edition
With plain off-white mount
Width
27.9 cm
Signature
Hand signed
Genre
Nude
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