ALBERTO VARGAS (American, 1896-1982). Esquire calendar girl, December 1946. Watercolor on board. 28 x 22 in.. Not signed...

Description

ALBERTO VARGAS (American, 1896-1982)
Esquire calendar girl, December 1946
Watercolor on board
28 x 22 in.
Not signed
Charles Martignette has noted, "The Esquire Varga Girls of World War II were the most important of his career. This is one of only two known Vargas Esquire calendar girl paintings in private circulation. Of the 72 originals published as calendar illustrations this painting and one other are the only two originals that are privately owned and not part of the Esquire Corporation Collection which is now owned and residing at the University of Kansas' Spencer Library. To use the word 'rare' in describing the importance of this painting would be an understatement. It is one of only two in the world that can ever be owned by a private collector from the famous and legendary Varga Girl Esquire Calendar series (1941-46)."

Note that none of Vargas' paintings were hand signed during the forties while he worked for Esquire. The publisher, David Smart, asked Vargas not to sign his originals because the publisher wanted to use a mechanical "slug" signature in the printing process. This was so that the printer could change the position of the signature to suit the magazine's technical needs. This policy applied to both the monthly centerfold and the series created for the famous Varga calendars published each year.

From the Estate of Charles Martignette.

More information about ALBERTO VARGAS. See also: Vargas, Alberto, Alberto Vargas Artist.



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