Jean Moss was a highly acclaimed commercial photographer during the 1980s and ’90s, commissioned by leading advertising agencies and major publications to capture portraits of prominent cultural and public figures. Once as student of Ansel Adams, her work appeared widely in national magazines and advertising campaigns, including numerous covers for Esquire, Sports Illustrated and projects for Bigsby & Kruthers suit books, all of which relied on Moss’s distinctive ability to create stylish, deeply expressive images that revealed the essence of her subjects.
In 1986, Communication Arts published an in-depth cover feature celebrating Moss’s work. Among the photographs highlighted was her now-legendary “Black and Blues Brothers” image of the 1985 Chicago Bears offensive line. Commissioned by Chicagoland Chevrolet, the photograph was distributed as a poster that would become an enduring icon, hanging on the walls of countless Bears fans. Moss would later repurpose the backdrop from the “Black and Blues Brothers” shoot to create an image that proved pivotal in the history of Air Jordan.
In 1987, Moss was commissioned by McDonald’s for the “Large Fries for Small Fries” campaign supporting Muscular Dystrophy research. The resulting images were both heartfelt and effective, establishing a foundation of trust between photographer and athlete. The Michael Jordan “Large Fries for Small Fries” ad was highlighted in a June, 1987 entry in The People’s Graphic Design Archives which displayed a picture of the ad and the following statement:
"Jordan is dressed in a stylish red-and-white tracksuit, smiling and holding McDonald’s fries, reinforcing a positive and uplifting message. This piece is a nostalgic and collectible item, combining Michael Jordan’s early career with McDonald’s long running charitable work.”
During the session, Moss developed Polaroid proofs to review the images in the moment. Upon the conclusion of the shoot, Jordan kindly signed the proofs on the reverse for Moss.
Not a sports fan herself, Moss warmly gifted these Michael Jordan signed proofs to her young nephew, in whose collection it remained until the present offering.
The work is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Moss’s brother, detailing her distinguished career and the personal gifting of these one-of-a-kind images to his son.
Please note that the item was recently authenticated by Beckett Authentication Services. The Letter Of Authenticity with this lot will be shipped upon receipt by Freeman's.
