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Alberto Vargas Original Watercolor The Silver Ball Extremely Rare Find

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I am pleased to be able to offer this wonderful original watercolor painted by the great world renowned Peruvian artist Alberto Vargas. This painting is not a print and not an original page out of a calendar - this is an original watercolor painted by the artist himself. Very rare and hard to find.

This piece is not in the traditional Vargas "pin up" style, but instead is considered a "set design." It is believed to have been painted in the late 1920's or early 1930's during Vargas' association with Florenz Ziegfield. It may have been a set proposal for Ziegfeld's Follies or perhaps a design for another project that may or may not have been accepted.

Based on my research, it is also possible that this was painted during Vargas's association with Hollywood. According to the Cigar Aficianado bio: "The 1930's were the era of Art Deco and Hollywood glamour queens, and Vargas was swept up into both. His illustrations of the period have a definite Art Deco look, and in 1934, Twentieth Century Fox Movie Studios brought the Vargases out to Hollywood. He painted portraits of Fox's leading women and men, helped design movie sets and painted renditions or direct portraits of Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Dorothy Lamour, Paulette Goddard, Barbara Stanwyck and even the child star Shirley Temple." This piece certainly offer a different perspective into the young Vargas' style and talent.

Below are details of this piece:




DETAILS
Title: The Silver Ball
Painter: Alberto Vargas
Original or Limited Edition: Original
Size – cm: 27 X 23
Size - inches: 10.5 X 9
Style: Watercolor and Pencil
Signed: Alberto Vargas
Condition: Overall good – light mold or foxing present
Dedication: None
Framed: No
Provenance


This piece was in the collection of a man in Lima, Peru whose uncle was a member of the Peruvian Parliament. During his diplomatic career, he had the opportunity to meet and befriend the great Alberto Vargas. This painting will be accompanied by a Letter of Provanance explaining it's history and how the seller acquired it as well as 2 pictures of Vargas.

Since I am directly representing the seller, this piece is being offered at a very reasonable price. If it was being sold through a gallery, obviously it would be at least double the price.

A Vargas original titled "Trick or Treat" (1967) from the Playboy archives sold at auction in 2003 for a record $71,000. His originals are very rare and very sought after.

Authenticity


I guarantee the authenticity of this paintings 100%. In fact, I recently sold 8 other Vargas originals from the same seller to one individual and he is delighted with the pieces. This is a rare opportunity indeed.

Useful Links


* To read a short biography of Vargas according to Wikipedia, click here

* To read the Cigar Aficianado biography of Vargas, click here


Condition


This piece is watercolor and pencil and painted on sturdy card stock. Due to being stored in the humid climate of Peru for the past 50 years, it is showing signs of light mold or "foxing." (Foxing is the term that describes the stains, spots or blotches on old papers or documents which doesn’t affect the integrity of the paper. The name “Foxing” is believed to come from the fox-like reddish-brown color of the stains.) This piece can be restored by a paper conservator at a cost of approx. $300-500 or it can easily be enjoyed as is.



This piece as well as 3 others can be viewed in the West Suburban Washington D.C. area. Free insured shipping within the Continental US. International shipping is extra.


   

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Terms & Conditions

This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied unless there is a warranty in effect from the factory. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.

Seller reserves the right not to sell to any bidder with 0 or negative feedback or to any bidder for any reason. Seller also reserves the right to end the auction early. 10% (non-refundable deposit) in certified funds or bank to bank wire transfer is due within 2 business days of auction end and balance is due within 7 business days of auction end. Buyer is responsible for cost of shipping but seller may be able to assist in arranging shipping. I can be reached at (630) 567-0066 to discuss the item. Please see my other auctions for high quality new and used vehicles and other quality collectibles.

Remember that your bid constitutes a legally binding contract to purchase this item. If you require an inspection, have it done prior to bidding. I strongly encourage all bidders to inspect vehicle personally or enlist the services of a professional inspector prior to placing a bid. After the sale, inspections are not recognized as a contingency to completing your obligation to your winning bid. Please do not bid if you are not seriously interested or not financially able to purchase this item. If there are any questions regarding the above terms, please e-mail prior to bidding. Serious bidders only please. Good luck!