Alberto Vargas (1896-1982), Vargas Girl study (1943)
Alberto Vargas (Peruvian/American, 1896-1982) Vargas Girl study, 1943 Watercolor and pencil on tracing paper 19-5/8 x 29-7/8 inches (49.8 x 75.9 cm) (sheet) Signed lower right: Vargas The Vargas Trust Collection The present work is a preliminary study of a well-known Vargas Girl published in the June 1943 issue of Esquire. The image created a stir amongst readers due to the figure appearing to be missing an arm. In the present work, Vargas prominently shows her arm placing a flower crown atop her head, but in the final work, the crown would be replaced by a bow, and the arm would fully vanish from view. The final version of the present work additionally appears on page 40 of Varga: The Esquire Years by Reid Austin (St. James Press, 1987). HID09710052018 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice
Condition Report: Toning to sheet. Very light undulations, visible under raking light. One small handling crease between figures chin and arm. A few scattered pin point of surface dirt and very minor stains to areas of negative space. Not framed. Matted to overall: 26 x 31.5 inches
Alberto Vargas (Peruvian/American, 1896-1982) Vargas Girl study, 1943 Watercolor and pencil on tracing paper 19-5/8 x 29-7/8 inches (49.8 x 75.9 cm) (sheet) Signed lower right: Vargas The Vargas Trust Collection The present work is a preliminary study of a well-known Vargas Girl published in the June 1943 issue of Esquire. The image created a stir amongst readers due to the figure appearing to be missing an arm. In the present work, Vargas prominently shows her arm placing a flower crown atop her head, but in the final work, the crown would be replaced by a bow, and the arm would fully vanish from view. The final version of the present work additionally appears on page 40 of Varga: The Esquire Years by Reid Austin (St. James Press, 1987). HID09710052018 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice
Condition Report: Toning to sheet. Very light undulations, visible under raking light. One small handling crease between figures chin and arm. A few scattered pin point of surface dirt and very minor stains to areas of negative space. Not framed. Matted to overall: 26 x 31.5 inches
