Barbara Steele – Bachelor of Hearts (1958) Early Portrait of the Queen of Italian Gothic Horror Photograph
Limited Edition Photograph (learn more)
In stock
Before Barbara Steele became one of the most unforgettable faces in Gothic horror, there was this remarkable early portrait.
Taken during the period of Bachelor of Hearts (1958), this beautifully composed black-and-white photograph captures Steele at the very beginning of her screen career — poised, elegant and already possessing the extraordinary presence that would soon make her an international cult cinema icon.
Bachelor of Hearts, directed by Wolf Rilla, was one of Steele’s earliest British film appearances. Just two years later, Mario Bava’s Black Sunday (1960) would transform her screen image forever, establishing the haunting beauty, intensity and mysterious visual presence that became inseparable from Italian Gothic cinema.
For collectors, that makes this image especially fascinating. It presents Barbara Steele before the castles, crypts, witches and supernatural nightmares — a rare glimpse of the actress before she became the darkly magnetic figure associated with films such as Black Sunday, The Horrible Dr. Hichcock and The Ghost.
The portrait itself is exceptionally elegant: Steele photographed in luminous black and white, turned slightly away from the camera, her distinctive eyes and sculptural features already commanding the frame. It is an image that works both as classic portrait photography and as an important early document in the career of one of horror cinema’s most enduring screen icons.
Carefully restored from historic photographic source material and professionally lab-developed, this museum-quality photograph is presented uncropped, preserving the complete image area contained in the source. Restoration recovers facial detail, tonal balance, fabric texture and original photographic clarity while maintaining the character and tonal quality of the historic image. The finished photograph contains no AI-generated image content.
A superb collectible for admirers of Barbara Steele, Italian Gothic horror, Mario Bava, classic British cinema, vintage glamour photography and cult film history.
Product Enquiry
Kodak Professional Endura Paper
Kodak Endura papers provide an incredible amount of detail and smooth transition of tones. Designed for the professional photographer in mind, looking for a more traditional photo print style, Kodak Endura provides an extended print life and color gamut almost at the level of a high end fine art paper print.
Archival Matte Paper
Archival Matte Paper, also known as Moab Lasal Photo Matte, is our house stock fine art paper and is an economical favorite for fine art reproductions and photo prints. It features a smooth surface, heavy weight (230 g, 9.5-mil), neutral white, matte paper engineered for accurate color reproduction that provides high contrast and high-resolution output. This paper is acid-free, making it the perfect choice for both photography & fine art reproductions.
Giclee William Turner Paper by Hahnemühle
The William Turner by Hahnemühle is one of the most popular papers used in the Giclee printing industry. This is a 310g natural white mould made natural line paper with 100% rag content making it highly archival. It has a slight coarse texture which gives photos and artwork an elegant look. These fine art paper prints (also known as Giclee) are ordered by galleries, individual artists and photographers. The papers and inks are not only archival but use some of the most accurate print technology for full color prints.
- Giclee prints use very expensive archival pigmented inks.
- Highest level of color gamut available in printing (12 color printing).
- Exceptional black & white printing.
- Fade resistant, pigmented inks which provide a superior color range compared to other types of inks. Widely preferred in fine art and photography circles.
- We ONLY use professional grade fine art and photo paper that resist yellowing and aging.
Framing
We offer wood and metal frames, custom cut & joined to order. Each framed print includes hanging hardware and foamcore backer.
Matting
We use conservation grade 100% virgin alpha-cellulose 2 ply mats with white core. Acid-free and lignin-free, these are both face resistant and meet all conservation quality standards set by the Fine Art Trade Guild. Mats are digitally cut for ultimate precision. The window will be 1/8″ smaller than the print dimensions.
Glazing (Acrylic Glass)
We offer custom cut panes of shatter-proof, acrylic glass, to protect your valuable artwork and prints.
Premium Clear
Framing grade clear acrylic is shatter resistant and lightweight.
Reflection Control
With its matte finish, Tru Vue Reflection Control® Acrylic scatters light to diminish unwanted glare.
Conservation Clear
Tru Vue Conservation Clear® Acrylic is a framing industry staple, blocking up to 99% of UV rays for ultimate protection.
Conservation Reflection Control
Tru Vue Conservation Reflection Control® Acrylic scatters and diffuses light to reduce unwanted glare. Blocks up to 99% of UV rays.
Related products
-
Barbara Steele – The Long Hair of Death (1964) Flowing Hair Over-Shoulder Gothic Photo
$38.00 -
Peter Cushing – Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1974) Baron Frankenstein Top Hat Publicity Photo
$30.00 -
Barbara Steele (1970) – Italian Gothic Horror Queen Intense Eyes Black & White Glamour Portrait
$38.00 -
Klaus Kinski – Fitzcarraldo (1982) Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald Leopard Tapestry Publicity Photo
$25.00
