“Nagel's images tend to keep the viewer at arm's length, while also engendering a desire to know more.”
—Elena G. Millie (Library of Congress curator)
Seated Man is a rare portrayal of a male figure in Patrick Nagel’s oeuvre, which was traditionally dominated by geometric depictions of strong, desired women influenced by the Art Deco and Pop Art movements. The iconic ‘Nagel Woman’ emerged in the mid -1970s through the artist’s regular contributions to Playboy magazine and is characterised by enigmatic, dark and alluring features. While the ‘Nagel Woman’ was becoming an emblem of its time, the artist’s representation of masculine power and sophistication was evolving alongside it, developing its own distinct artistic narrative.
The present work was created as an illustration for a fashion article in the January 1981 issue of Playboy, which explored men’s fashion trends for the upcoming spring season. The illustrations in the issue celebrated influential designers shaping American fashion at the time, including Perry Ellis, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren - the latter serving as the inspiration for Seated Man.
Ralph Lauren’s design philosophy, renowned for its elegance with a contemporary twist, aligns seamlessly with Nagel’s distinctive artistic style. In his depiction of the brand, Nagel captured both traditional and modern aesthetics, infused with bold and striking elements. His work skilfully navigated between the realms of modernism and pop culture, marked by vivid patterns and a strong emphasis on line and form.
Working alongside contemporaries such as Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg, Nagel demonstrated a deep and enduring commitment to graphics and illustration. He remained a consistent contributor to Playboy until his passing in 1984. The artist’s singular vision of beauty - encompassing both male and female forms - imbued with American aesthetics, allure and materialism, resonated widely with the public and continues to be symbolic of its time.
