Fernet-Branca banquet group photo-shoot, sepia-toned Kodalith authentic darkroom print by Michael Joseph

This iconic image served as the focal point of the renowned 1971 Fernet-Branca advertising campaign. Originally intended as a wrap-around label for the Fernet Branca apéritif bottle, this specific print is a test proof for the photograph. However, due to a fascinating anecdote shared by my father, who was closely involved in the campaign, involving one of the clients having familial ties to the Pope and some unanticipated inclusion of topless models introduced by my father, the picture never saw the light of day on the bottle label.

Remarkably, despite its unconventional origins, this image earned a distinguished place in history, being the sole photograph granted a two-page spread in the British Journal of Photography Annual 1974. The audacious concept behind the photograph, depicting an exuberant scene of diverse individuals reveling in the moment, aimed to capture the spirit of the era when such depictions were embraced. Interestingly, the image found renewed relevance three decades later when it was featured on multiple album covers by Funk Spectrum.

Presented with an off-white mount, this authentic Kodalith print on card bears the photographer’s signature, adding a layer of authenticity and historical significance to this remarkable piece.