1977 \ 200 s/n \ 800 unsigned. A few uncut dbls exist, but are rare and not mentioned in “The Art of Patrick Nagel” book.
The very first lifetime-edition poster by Patrick Nagel and Mirage Editions, Inc. is titled “Mirage Ship.” In the tradition of the great steamship posters of the 1920s and 1930s, Nagel’s version of the famous “Normandie” poster became the first of the limited editions printed by Mirage. The poster was based upon A.M. Cassandra’s poster of the ship “Atlantic.” However, the prototype of this poster depicted Cassandra’s “Normandie.”
Nagel’s “Mirage Ship” is a serigraph on 100% cotton archival grade rag. It was printed by Wasserman Silkscreen and was released in August 1977. There are only 200 hand signed and numbered and 800 signed in screen editions. There are also only two signed double uncut images and unsigned double edition quantities are unknown, but they would be extremely rare. No other versions of this image has been released. The dimensions of the single poster is 26″ x 15.” Again, this was the first print ever released by Mirage Editions, Inc. and it included an embossment of the flamingo in the white border. (See photo example.) This print is the only Nagel poster to be released with a white, unscreened border, which became the standard for most of the Limited Edition Graphics. This print is highly collectable. This print is very prone to fading so the pink inks turn to light yellow. It is extremely rare to find a signed and numbered version that is still pink. (Fun tidbit for 80s television lovers, this print can be seen in Doc’s office on the television series “The Love Boat.”)
If you have one you are willing to sell please let me know.
Contact for availability. I currently have access to a rare Mint signed Uncut double! Price upon request.