Alberto Vargas (Peruvian/American, 1896-1982) Pi

Alberto Vargas (PeruvianxAmerican, 1896-1982) Pink Balloon, 1929 Watercolor and pencil on paper 28-1x4 x 21-1x8 inches (71.8 x 53.7 cm) (sheet) Signed center right: Vargas 1929 The Vargas Trust Collection Created in 1929, this work was painted towards the end of the artist's tenure working at the Ziegfeld Follies, and this redhead is resplendent with a showgirl's theatrical glamour. The present work appears in the January 1968 issue of Playboy as part of a special feature covering the career of Alberto Vargas and the Vargas Girl. The work also appears on the inside flap of the cover and page 83 of Vargas by Reid Austin and Alberto Vargas (Harmony, 1989). HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.comxTexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

Condition
Very light toning to board throughout with visible lines along margins, not affecting figure and not visible when seated under mat. Some very scattered pin points of surface dirt, most visible in areas of negative space and along edge of figure's skirt; some stray pigment to areas of margins. A few extremely faint drip stains along figure's leg, visible under raking light. Not framed. Matted to overall: 35 x 28 inches Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS"