Bronzes

Standing Lady, 1984

H 4 in. x W 14.13 in. x D 20.5 in.

The first of only two Patrick Nagel bronze sculptures to make it out of the foundry at Encore in West Los Angeles and limited to 180 pieces in the world, “Standing Lady”, in polychrome bronze and granite with a white marble accent. Art deco Nagel design, and a tribute to a classic Hollywood starlet. The model is American Playboy Playmate Tracy Vaccaro, best known for “Sunglasses and Palm Springs Life” posters. Nagel painted Vaccaro many times and fabulous images came out of those sessions. Fans Probably know “Sunglasses” and “Palm Springs Life” posters images best. I am hoping to get my hands on the photo that inspired this bronze. I also was happy to learn that while Nagel did not see Standing Lady officially released during his lifetime (therefore it is considered a posthumous artwork), Nagel did see and approve the final sculpture art created from his drawings before it went to the foundry. Additional Fun Fact: Vaccaro was pregnant at the time of this shoot!

Carol, bust of a woman 1984

Nagel created two bronze, sadly they were both released after his death. Nagel did not live to see this second bronze to its full completion, but Mirage owner Karl Bornstein completed the project anyway with the sculptor. The Carol bust is a posthumous artwork. Regardless, it sells at a very high price and is highly sought after. Today, to some bafflement to Nagel collectors, the Carol bust is by far the most coveted posthumously released Nagel artwork by Mirage Editions & Dumas (Nagel estate). I have been told by several of Nagel’s close friends and work associates, Nagel was very excited to see these projects through.

The model is Heidi Sorenson, also the model for Carol, the Lifetime limited Graphic. However, unlike the bust the Carol serigraph was released in January of 1984 by Mirage Editions, Inc., just one month prior to Nagel’s untimely death. The Carol serigraph would be Nagel’s last Lifetime limited Graphic release.