Customer Reviews

Madonna Nude 1979

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In the foreword, Martin Schreiber, then a struggling photographer in NYC, describes a young model who entered his studio on 12 February 1979 and for a short time, posed for him. That model was Madonna Louise Ciccone. Some of those photos ended up in the September 85 Playboy, after Like A Virgin exploded over the face of pop. Schreiber describes this book as "a celebration of the human form, a dedication to an innocent, determined young woman, and to all figure models." Given the photos that were shot, I'd concur. $30 for three hours, as the consent form signed by her says. Well, that three hour session yielded some really tasteful b&w photography, the highlights of which are blown up for this book. The last pages show the safety film of the complete sessions.

This particular form, done in various lighting and shadows, is quite appealing and artful. One full frontal shot of her, spanning 8 through 8A on the safety film, with the head cut off, would make an excellent Greek or Roman statue.

The frontal sphinx-like crouching shots of her are nice. A striped cat is crouched inbetween her arms. The next shot, the cat is gone, she is in the same position, and there's a view of her pubic hair in shadows. The cat comes out in two other shots of her, including the book cover photo. BTW, Madonna isn't smiling in these shots but maintains a dignified expression throughout.

Think about it though. These were taken in 1979, years before Like A Virgin, MTV, Sean Penn, Blonde Ambition, Evita, and the bogus British accent she has now affected. Often times, early activities by an actor or singer (think Sylvester Stallone) reveals some embarassing moments, but this isn't one of them, as the Certain Sacrifice movie was. No, years from now, Madonna can look through these pictures and remember the simpler times. P.S. I wonder if the cat got an autographed copy of Like A Virgin from her.

When she was younger, Madonna had a very natural beauty that was accentuated by her well-endowed figure. This book features some outstanding portraits of her in casual but very erotic poses; her healthy, hirsute body provides a welcome contrast to the skinny smoothness that seems to be the current feminine ideal. Sure, the collection probably never would have been published had Madonna not become the star she is today, but her celebrity status is precisely what makes the book so intriguing. I would definitely recommend it to Madonna fans, but it really belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who enjoys quality, tasteful nude photography.

Those who expect a significant collection of images of Madonna will be disappointed. First of all the book contains a very limited number of pictures, not more than 12 or 13 all in all. Many of the pictures are just the same image cropped differently. The central page is just the same image flipped 180 degrees. The image quality is rather poor and most of them are just show torsos and pubic hair with no face. Lighting and composition are ordinary, and so are the props used. The images that Playboy published in 1985 (which were far better) are not included here. The only interesting thing (sort of, for those who like these things) is the photo of the model release form signed by Madonna. Although the book doesn't cost much, it is a total waste and you'd better save it for soomething else.

Martin H. M. Schreiber made this book as a dedication to Madonna and all figure models. It is a glance into the ambition and dedication that Madonna and other models have. Beyond the obvious conotations provided by the mystique that is Madonna today, we can find the simple beauty of a young woman expressing the beauty of her body. The works in this book are simple, but they have a subtle delicacy to them that I really appreciated.

... and a surname. These photos were taken when she was just 20. She still had some youthful roundness in her face back then, and made the most of that youthfulness in a few "girl with her kitty" picturs here. (I'll assume the visual pun was intended.)

Some pictures, like the cover shot of M in her longjohns, don't do much for me. (These pictures were taken in New York in February. The longies and conspicuous space heater in a few shots make sense, even if they're not esthetic.) Many of the other poses tend toward the standard. But, when a healthy young woman is involved, even standard poses serve to emphasize the unique features of her face and figure. A few shots close in on her breasts and - well, I've had a girlfriend like that. It's just a way some ladies are.

As figure photo, this isn't anything special. Only Madonna's later fame keeps this book in print thirty years after the pictures were taken.

-- wiredweird

ok, i love this collection, i am sure madonna doesnt like the photos out there and the photogapher still making money off her image (since she was only paid 100.00 back in 1979). but her Body is AMAZING. perfection! and she was so young and innocent - something so pure about these photos. i wounder if at the time She knew what was in store for her ?!

VERY SEX