Artist / Artist's Model
Date Of Birth:
c. 1961
Best Known As:
The model for the latest Columbia Pictures logo
Jennifer Joseph isn't a household name, but as the model for the Columbia Pictures logo -- the draped lady holding a torch -- her likeness is seen by millions of moviegoers every year. New Orleans artist Michael Deas was commissioned to update the famous Columbia logo after Sony Pictures Entertainment bought the studio in 1989. Older versions of the logo -- a woman in a draped gown, standing atop a pedestal and holding a torch aloft -- had been in use since the 1930s. Jennifer Joseph, at the time a 31 year-old designer with The Times-Picayune newspaper, modeled for Deas. The resulting image was not an exact likeness of Joseph; Deas used computer-generated images to construct a composite for the face. Deas delivered the logo in 1992 and it went into use for Columbia Pictures productions, cementing Joseph's place in history. Jennifer Joseph herself later became a muralist in Houston, Texas.
Extra Credit:
Actress Annette Bening told movie critic Roger Ebert in 2004 that she had been told she was the model for the logo, but artist Michael Deas has said that wasn’t the case… Jenny Joseph is also the name of the English poet who wrote “Warning,” a short poem with the famous line “When I am an old woman I shall wear purple.” The two Josephs are not related.
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As a seasoned art enthusiast and cultural historian, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the discussion of the Columbia Pictures logo and the model behind it. My extensive background in art history, particularly in the realm of iconic symbols and their origins, allows me to shed light on the intricacies of this particular piece.
Let's delve into the details of the article:
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Jennifer Joseph - The Artist's Model:
- Date of Birth: c. 1961: The mention of Jennifer Joseph's birth year, around 1961, provides a glimpse into the timeline of her life and career.
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The Columbia Pictures Logo:
- Artist Michael Deas: New Orleans artist Michael Deas was commissioned to update the Columbia Pictures logo after Sony Pictures Entertainment acquired the studio in 1989.
- Logo Evolution: The article mentions that older versions of the logo had been in use since the 1930s, highlighting the historical significance of this iconic symbol in the film industry.
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Jennifer Joseph's Role:
- Occupation at the Time: At the time of modeling, Jennifer Joseph was a 31-year-old designer with The Times-Picayune newspaper, showcasing her background in design and visual arts.
- The Face Composite: Michael Deas, the artist, used computer-generated images to construct a composite for the face, emphasizing the artistic process and technology involved in creating the iconic image.
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Post-Logo Career of Jennifer Joseph:
- Muralist in Houston, Texas: After her role as the model for the Columbia Pictures logo, Jennifer Joseph pursued a career as a muralist in Houston, Texas, showcasing her continued involvement in the arts.
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Additional Information:
- Actress Annette Bening: The article touches upon a bit of controversy, mentioning that actress Annette Bening claimed she was told she was the model for the logo. However, artist Michael Deas clarified that Jennifer Joseph was the actual model.
- Jenny Joseph, the Poet: The article adds an interesting tidbit about another individual named Jenny Joseph, an English poet known for the poem "Warning." It explicitly notes that the two Josephs are not related.
In conclusion, the information provided aligns seamlessly with my expertise in art history and cultural symbolism. The intricate details of the Columbia Pictures logo's creation, the involvement of Jennifer Joseph, and the subsequent career paths of the individuals involved contribute to the rich tapestry of art history and cinematic culture.
