Patrick Nagel (American, 1945-1984) Terri Welles, Playmate of the Year, Playboy, 1981 Acrylic on board 34 x 24 inches (86.4 x 61.0 cm) (image) Signed lower right The present work is accompanied by a copy of the June 1981 issue of Playboy magazine announcing Terri Welles as Playmate of the Year and personal photos from the model of the award ceremony. Drawing inspiration from Art Deco and pop art movements, and capturing the dynamic futurism of his time, Patrick Nagel's captivating, minimalistic style has become synonymous with the 1980s. Nagel's illustrations are a visual feast, and during his all-too-brief career, his work gained widespread recognition through his collaborations with Playboy magazine and the iconic rock group Duran Duran. With over 285 illustrations within the magazine, Nagel's paintings graced the pages of every Playboy issue between August 1975 until his death in 1984, particularly in notable columns like the Playboy Advisor, Playboy Forum, and Playboy After Hours. This exposure to a wider audience propelled the popularity of what became known as "the Nagel Woman." The present work is an exceptional and rare example by Patrick Nagel featuring the renowned model and actress, Terri Welles, and comes from her personal collection. This stunning and bold piece holds a unique significance for several reasons. Firstly, it was gifted to Terri as part of her Playmate of the Year award in 1981 after Terri sat for Nagel in his personal studio—the first Playmate to ever do so. After the sitting, Terri received the portrait as a gift from the magazine. A one-of-a-kind hidden treasure, this artwork was never published in the magazine, and has until now remain unseen by the public for over 40 years, carefully preserved by Terri it in its original frame in her private home. This untouched and highly personal work showcases Nagel's artistry in a distinct way. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Terri is one of the very few blondes Nagel ever painted and chose to keep as a blonde, as he often preferred to darken their hair to a brunette hue. Patrick Nagel's artistic legacy continues to captivate and inspire, with his illustrations leaving an indelible impression on both the art and pop culture landscapes. His collaborations with Playboy solidified his status as an artistic icon, while his unique approach to portraying the female form and attention to detail set him apart. The Terri Welles portrait stands as a testament to Nagel's talent and the personal connection he forged with his subjects as well as with Playboy magazine, making it a truly exceptional piece in his illustrious body of work. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
