Night Life: Original Lorenzo Mattotti New Yorker Cover Art

In April of 2000, The New Yorker published Lorenzo Mattotti's cover entitled Night Life. The original art was sold on May 9 in Milan: 

The head of the woman of prodigious fashion is positioned towards the outer edge of the image yet her head is turned further outward, an unusual choice which gives the scene a spontaneous feel. Two other faces in profile by the borders direct their gaze outside our field of view. Yet these individuals are not unposed; everyone except the photographer is clearly there to be seen. One woman even looks directly at the viewer, somewhat disconcertingly.

The vibrant colors stand out against the black in the background. The glow of the nightclub lights create a symmetrical shape like a stage curtain above the scene. The shapes and colors of these lights are continued in the curvilinear strap along the left side of the image only to be cut off by the form of the photographer.

The main figure wears striking colors while the other patrons are all in black relieved occasionally by gray. Her fur is nothing if not excessive, but although central to her look it doesn't outshine her and the artist doesn't seem to be critical of her for wearing it. Like everyone else, she is living her own esthetic and is picture perfect.

The art sold for an impressive 12,000 euros plus the customary 23% buyer's premium. In dollars, that's a total of about $16,500 plus whatever shipping and insurance may be required.

Lorenzo Mattotti
Urania & Finarte listing of May 9, 2025

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/203742642_mattotti-lorenzo-the-new-yorker-night-life-2000

Me, I stay home after dark.

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