The "Lifetime" posters
Gallery: one \ two \ three
Wasserman Silkscreen
1980 \ 250 s/n \ 20 a/ps \ 6 p/ps \ 6 doubles s/n \ 1000 Unsigned
Contrary to what the Nagel book indicates, (two images were juxtaposed in the book) this poster was sized at 17x25. The same composition was used for 'Standing Lady', one of the 21 large limited edition serigraphs (37x60). This poster has the words "Wasserman Silkscreen" running vertically in the left panel. Jeff Wasserman, was/is a master serigrapher who had come from Gemini G.E.L.(Graphics Editions Limited), a well respected New York (then located in LA) fine art atelier. He printed many of the lifetime posters and big limited editions up until about early 1980, when he had finally had it with Bornstein and refused to print any more Nagels. Unfortunate, because he is still probably the finest silk screen printer in America. A very haunting image. From Todd: "When my wife and I were married, Jeff came and presented us with a signed a/p of this poster. We kept it for over 20 years before being talked out of it by a collector, just this last year."
Park South
1979 \ 250 s/n \ 25 a/ps \ Doubles: 4 s/n; 4 s.i.s. \ 1000 Unsigned
We're sorry for the lack of definition of this thumbnail. The poster is unassuming here but in person, it's very striking. Laura Gold, an antique poster dealer had this gallery near Carnegie Hall. Ironically, she was the only one who insisted her telephone number appear on her Nagel poster.
Just Looking
1978 \ 250 s/n \ 20 a/ps \ 40 State proofs \ (s/n, before letters) \ Doubles: 6 s/n; 5 s.i.s. \ 1000 Unsigned
The coolest of the cool! "Just Looking" is just a killer Nagel image, the model is delightfully sexy, allowing us just a tantalizing peek, while the vase and (what must be) willows reminds us that we're supposed to be 'just looking' at home furnishings. There is a gallery in San Luis Obispo, CA who borrowed this poster title for its name and who recently hosted an exhibition of Nagel's orginal work -- in cooperation with his widow, Jennifer Dumas)
Stanley Fimberg
1979 \ 250 s/n \ 20 a/ps \ Doubles: 10 s/n \ 12 s.i.s.
A flying enthusiast, Fimberg was an investor in Mirage Editions. One of the few Nagels, obviously, that did not feature the Femme Fatale. Why did Nagel do this? Obligation, we think. It's a great image, but not exactly Nagel's forté.
Mother Earth's Paris
1979 \ 250 s/n \ 20 a/ps \ 1000 Unsigned
We don't know much about this poster, except that in twenty eight years, we've only seen it on the market once. This was only just this year (2008). Note the not-so-subtle gay reference with the shadowed 'partner' image. A very, before-its-time statement and a great poster. You can't see it in this tiny thumbnail, but the image on the model's tie is of the Statue of Liberty.)
Architectural Digest (Cytisus)
1982 \ 350 s/n \ 1250 unsigned
We've never understood this image. Supposedly, it was quite a coup for a (then) small publisher to make this deal with A.D., and the image is quite a nice composition, if a little lackluster. But it certainly was a departure for Nagel. Note the unusually large s/n state.
Shades
1982 \ 250 s/n \ 40 a/ps \ 3 p/ps
Too kool for school. "Shades" had no unsigned edition and we haven't seen it on the market since it was printed in '82. It was said to have featured (or been inspired by) Carol Yokum who was the kingpin of Mirage's success at the time and who went on to publish Dennis Mukai after Mirage's demise).
Piedmont Book Company - Gallery
1980 \ 250 s/n \ 30 a/ps; one progressive set \ Doubles: 4 s/n; 3 s.i.s. \ 1000 Unsigned
Vintage Nagel. Although not a great seller while he was alive, it will be now. Lovely composition includes the jay flying out of the frame. Very Japonisme...
Collectors Gallery
1982 \ 250 s/n \ 40 a/ps; 1150 s.i.s., Unsigned
Collectors was a wonderful image, with the image of the cypress tree, balanced by the model's flowing hair. A small gallery in Pacific Grove, near Carmel, CA cooperated in the early published poster
