Patrick Nagel (American, 1945-1984) Woman with Arrow and Bird, circa 1982 Rare Nagel Smile.

Patrick Nagel (American, 1945-1984) Woman with Arrow and Bird, circa 1982

Does this early 80’s smiling gem look familiar? Well, for those of you owning the book “The Art of Patrick Nagel” it should, because a much earlier alternate version of this work was published on page 24 in Nagel: The Art of Patrick Nagel (Van Der Marck Editions, 1985).

Nagel would often revisit earlier works and alter them years later! The first version has colored pencil and no arrow and no ribbons! (Guessing c. 77’ )The lines are nowhere as defined in his first version. Maybe he was revisiting her for an album cover? 🇬🇧 Look at the ribbons! Precursor image ideas to Rio!? I don’t know, but the size is appropriate for a cover. Either way this black and white is superior in my view. It was originally sold directly from the estate to Ben Stevens of Galactic Gallery, but it resold last year at Heritage Auctions. (I was surprised Ben let it go!) But I am HAPPY like this Nagel woman. Thanks Ben! I win!

I love the elegance here of the bold black and white contrast, but this version also still has a boho chic vibe with her hair braid and the classic Nagel bird posing out of the frame (Nagel loved his birds!) and the arrow in pursuit of its target! The Archery theme is another Nagel painted several times. Shoot that poison arrow through my heart, ❤️ this one won me over! And who doesn't love the bird wings out of frame. Nagel loved to push out of frame just like Master of illustration J. C. Leyendecker.

HA Description:
Patrick Nagel (American, 1945-1984)
Woman with Arrow and Bird, circa 1982
Ink on board
17-7/8 x 20 inches (45.4 x 50.8 cm)
Not signed

EXHIBITED:
Just Looking Gallery, Obispo, California, "Patrick Nagel: Retrospective," 2007.

The present work bears a © DUMAS 1984 stamp on the reverse and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from the artist's Estate. An alternate version of the present work is published on page 24 in Nagel: The Art of Patrick Nagel (Van Der Marck Editions, 1985).

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I run PatrickNagelArts on Instagram and consult with Heritage Auctions! My social media feed discovered the RIO model in 2024 with help from friends. Duran Duran didn't know who the model was for their Cherry Ice Cream Smile! Three canvases coming up by the way in April! If you are looking for Nagel graphics, drawings, boards or canvases or just want a FREE consultation of value if you find something.