Portrait of a Man 

Patrick Nagel created this portrait of a man as a screen print, likely in the 1980s. The illustration’s clean lines and minimal shading are typical of Nagel’s style. These techniques evoke the visual language of commercial design which was something he did for much of his early career. The androgynous figure might suggest a critique of traditional masculinity, hinting at a shift towards greater fluidity in gender roles. We might consider the impact of the AIDS crisis on representations of the male body at that time. The work invites us to contemplate the evolving ideals of beauty and the changing social norms surrounding gender and sexuality in 1980s America. Understanding the cultural and social context of this portrait requires us to examine magazines, advertisements, and fashion trends from that era. It is essential to look to these resources to fully appreciate its cultural significance. By considering the conditions in which art is made we can see how it challenges existing ideas and values.