Belle (which means beautiful women in Italian) is a collection of mainly nude photographs inspired by well known works of art ranging from ancient Babylon to Gustav Klimt. None of the models are professionals, rather they are ordinary, extraordinary women from all walks of life, ages and countries although the majority are Italian. This is the full hardback version with 104 pages, a small abridged version of 80 pages is available in paperback.





























































































"Each of these pictures is a take on a world-famous painting, in styles ranging from pre-Raphaelite to art deco. The works of art have been re-created down to the temperamental skies of Giorgione's Sleeping Venus, or the bold daubs of a de Lempicka portrait. But they have also been ingeniously updated: Ingres' Grande Odalisque is now equipped with a telephone; and in the Giorgione mock-up, as Venus sleeps, her mountain bike can be seen in the background. Common to each is a beautiful female central subject in a state of tasteful undress. Patrick Nicholas, the photographer,  captures the allure of his subjects without resorting to gratuitous smut. He has done the classical masters proud."

Nicholas Farrell in the The Sunday Times magazine

www.photonicholas.com