The Naked Maja (La Maja Desnuda) – 1959 Original Mexican Movie Poster | Ava Gardner, Anthony Franciosa | MGM – Art by Reynold Brown

Description:

Offered here is an original 1959 Mexican theatrical release poster for The Naked Maja (La Maja Desnuda), directed by Henry Koster and starring Ava Gardner and Anthony Franciosa. This striking design captures the sensual elegance and artistic tension of the film—an evocative dramatization of Spanish painter Francisco Goya’s relationship with his muse, the Duchess of Alba.

Rendered in expressive painterly tones typical of mid-century Mexican poster art, the layout emphasizes Gardner’s timeless allure and the film’s lush period aesthetic. The artwork channels both classical European sensibility and the romantic dynamism of Mexico’s Golden Age of cinema design.

Condition Assessment: The poster is folded, as originally issued, with visible wear along the fold lines. Notably, there’s a significant chip in the upper left corner and some staining/toning visible on the back. Despite this, the colors remain rich and vibrant, and the poster retains strong visual appeal. The edges show minor tears, but no major paper loss beyond the corner.

Collector’s Notes:

“La Maja Desnuda” posters are highly desirable due to Ava Gardner’s iconic status and the art-history relevance of the Goya reference. This Argentinian version is particularly rare, with distinctive Latin typography and localized design different from U.S. or European issues. Ideal for collectors of classic 1950s cinema, Ava Gardner memorabilia, or foreign-market film art.