Petit format aluminium
Nivea Now in Tubs (Purple Study)
Photo taken in the 1970s
by Michael Joseph
Size: 15 cm (w) × 20 cm (h)
Medium: Aluminium print
Format: Small Format Print on Aluminium
Edition: Later print
A contemplative counterpart within the series, Nivea Now in Tubs (Purple Study) renders the figure as a soft silhouette against a field of luminous violet. Seated in profile, the body folds gently inward — head inclined, shoulders relaxed — creating a composition defined by quiet introspection and tonal atmosphere.
The palette shifts from cool blue to layered purples and mauves, diffusing the form into a haze of light and shadow. The marble-like backdrop dissolves into painterly texture, while the dark outline of the figure remains delicately defined. This interplay between clarity and softness evokes both intimacy and abstraction.
Unlike overtly promotional imagery, this work leans into mood and suggestion. The human form becomes emblematic rather than descriptive — a study of contour, light, and serenity. The purple wash carries a subtle warmth, introducing a more emotional register to the otherwise minimal composition.
Created during the 1970s, when commercial photography embraced stylised colour fields and graphic simplicity, this image reflects Michael Joseph’s instinct for merging brand identity with fine-art sensibility. It captures the atmosphere of the era — poised, confident, and visually assured.
Printed on aluminium, the layered violets and soft gradients gain enhanced depth and luminosity. The smooth surface intensifies tonal transitions, preserving the image’s delicate silhouette while giving it a refined, contemporary finish.
A subtle and collectible small-format work, available exclusively through this gallery.
Before proceeding to checkout, don’t forget to explore and collect the rest of the Small Format collection. Thank you.
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