STRIPED LIGHT NUDE

Martin H. Miller (1917-2005) worked as a Treasury Department official to revitalize the savings bond program during the post-war era. He also had an eye for topographical details and embarked on a personal quest to correct errors in government maps- a mission that included updating CIA maps to reflect the outcome of the 1967 Six-Day-War in the Middle East. He told a reporter at the time that he presented his case in a "factual rather than ideological" manner. "If I were trying to peddle my views, I wouldn't have gotten very far." [Washington Post]. Miller's crusade for accuracy even extended to the Encyclopedia Britannica.

In addition to his Treasury and editorial work, Miller also pursued a passion for Photography. From what little I can find on-line, it appears that he was an award-winning photographer who taught a course at the Agricultural Department graduate school and was active as a lecturer and competition judge. He joined the Photographic Society of America in 1953, and was among the top 50 most-exhibited amateur black-and-white photographers in the world by the 1960s. He is remembered for his exquisite nude images, especially the "Striped Light Nude" series. These images have such a wonderful Op Art quality, with shadows defining contour and surface in an almost topographical manner. To my eyes, the series shares the erotic language of Maurice Binder's James Bond title sequences. Live Auctioneers covered the sale of his estate, which included a number of prints. A current eBay auction for a Miller original appeared on our radar, thanks to Batman designer Shane Glines (Spy Vibe interview here). Examples from the "Striped Light Nude" series below from Live Auctioneers and eBay. Enjoy!

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