The CN stands for "commemorative Nagel". Many who are new to Nagel are not clear that these prints were created after his death in 1984. And as such they are POSTHUMOUS, not hand signed (obviously) and were created in much bigger editions sizes, some as many as 10,000.
However, although posthumous, the good news is that they are actual serigraphs—not cheap lithos like much of what passes for 'nagels' these days—and were printed by the Samper Silkscreen Company (the second printer used by Mirage to print Nagels and the only other legitimate printer) in the mid 1980's. Unlike a lot of Nagel posters, these were authorized and published by MirageEditions, Nagel's publisher. Though posthumous, they are still wonderful works of art and had he not passed, would likely have gone on to become signed and numbered limited editions.
ABOUT CN1
CN1, aside from being the first Commemorative serigraph printed after Nagel's death in 1984, was also in the 'pipeline' along with CN2 and scheduled to be rolled out as limited editions.
These, as with all the CN series of posters, were actually authorized and published by Nagel's then publisher, Mirage Editions of Santa Monica, CA. We aren't sure how many exactly were printed, although it's reasonable to assume there were fewer of this image than the subsequent 15 CN titles, since it was the first one. No one really knew, least of all the publisher, Mirage Editions, what was going to happen. Probably 3,000 were in the run. For some reason, the first five CNs are considered the most collectible.
Condition is rated "fine" Size: 36X24", offered unframed.
About the Nagel Documentary:
I was up in LA this past month to shoot my part of a new Hollywood documentary on Patrick Nagel to be released in September of this year. The producer of the film thought it might be interesting to film my contribution to the film while standing in the alley behind the old Mirage Editions offices where they existed in 1980, when I worked there.Look for the release of the film later this year. We don't have a vested interest in the film but we think that when it comes out, the resurgence of enthusiasm for Nagel's work will increase significantly. Watch our site for news: Todd Bingham Fine Art/Nagel
A WORD TO THOSE NEW TO NAGEL
You will notice there is huge difference in price on Nagel's work. This is especially true on eBay where you'll see things for as little as $20. These prints are inexpensive, off-set lithographs and in some cases, are copies of famous Nagel images. Some are knock-offs of even the CNs. The 'real' Nagel collectible art, i.e., graphics and posters released during Nagel's life, you rarely see here, but they bring prices in three and four figures. If you'd like to see what a $3,000 Nagel looks like, click here.....
Although many of the Nagels you see on eBay are correct, there is also an awful lot of misrepresentation (some of it is admittedly inadvertant) and fraudulent listings. Be careful if you're thinking of spending any serious money. For more on that subject, follow THIS LINK to our Nagel site. We also broker some of the more rarified Nagel prints on our outside art brokering site, The Inside Art Trader. Follow the link to visit.....
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