Untitled (Woman with Crossed Arms and Bracelet)
Serigraph / Screenprint on paper • Patrick Nagel (1945–1984)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Pop Art / Art Deco Revival (often referred to as 'The Nagel Look')
Medium & Technique
Serigraphy (screen printing) characterized by flat areas of solid color, sharp clean edges, and high-contrast graphic design silhouettes.
Creation Period
Circa early 1980s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches; Portrait format
Subject Description
A stylized depiction of a female figure in a minimalist, graphic style. The subject is shown with arms crossed over her chest, wearing a dark bead bracelet, featuring the artist's signature pale skin, dark hair, and bold lip color against a dark background. The composition emphasizes line and shape over anatomical depth.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (visible through glazing); some reflections and glares on the glass suggest the print is housed in a standard metal frame.
Estimated Market Value
USD $200 - $600 (for an unsigned open edition or posthumous print); significantly higher ($3,000+) if it is a limited edition signed by the artist.
Auction Estimate
USD $150 - $450
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a commercial art gallery or poster shop in the 1980s. Nagel's works were widely distributed through Mirage Editions.
Art Historical Significance
Patrick Nagel was a defining figure of 1980s graphic design. His work bridged the gap between commercial illustration (notably for Playboy) and fine art. This style defined the visual aesthetic of the decade, influencing fashion, makeup, and advertising.
Notable Features
Features the vertical 'NAGEL' text on the left margin, which is iconic of his published posters and prints from the early 1980s.
Condition Issues
Possible light fading (UV damage) if displayed in direct sunlight; minor rippling of the paper support; potential silvering of the ink in the darker areas.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent UV fading. If the print has high value, consider reframing with acid-free matting and UV-protective museum glass.