Joseph Pressmane studied at the Beaux-Arts of Lvov and Warsaw.  In 1927, he arrived in Paris where his goal was to see some works of Cézanne.  After being granted French citizenship, he worked at the Ranson Academy with Roger Bissière and became imbued with the French masters by going to see their works at the Louvre every Sunday.

In 1932, he met Zborowski who purchased from him several paintings but who died shortly after the contract was signed.  He exhibited his paintings in several Parisian exhibitions, thus acquiring some fame and gaining the support of Baroness Alix de Rotschild.  Nevertheless, Pressmane went through difficult periods in regard to money and needed to work as a house painter to support himself.

In 1939, the beginning of the war compelled Pressmane to disappear for several years.  He lived in cellars and even in cupboards.  At the Liberation in 1945, he started painting again.  He wanted to make up for the time he has lost and took part in the Painters Witnesses of their Era foundation.

In 1951 he received the Critics prize and in 1952 the Burlhe prize in Switzerland.  With his reserved nature, he kept out of the Parisian life and painted until his death in 1967.  His works now belong to many collections.