Set of 4 Rare Early Original Watercolors by Alberto Vargas
I am pleased to be able to offer this wonderful set of 4 original watercolors painted by the great world renowned Peruvian artist Alberto Vargas. These paintings are not original prints and not original pages out of original calendars – these are original watercolors painted by the artist himself. One is even hand dedicated by Vargas to his friend Felipe from “uncle” Alberto and dated 1958. Very rare and hard to find.
These 4 pieces are not in the traditional Vargas “pin up” style, although in most cases they include a semi-nude woman, but instead are considered “set designs.” They are believed to have been painted in the late 1920’s or early 1930’s during Vargas’ association with Florenz Ziegfield. They may have been set proposals for Ziegfeld’s Follies or perhaps designs for other projects that may or may not have been accepted.
Based on my research, it is also possible that they were painted during Vargas’s association with Hollywood. According to the Cigar Aficianado bio: “The 1930s 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.” They certainly offer a different perspective into the young Vargas’ style and talent.
Below are details on each piece:
Painting # 1 |
DETAILS | |
Title: | Ballet in Cracow |
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 |
Painting #2 |
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 |
Painting #3 |
DETAILS | |
Title: | Torero – Spanish Rhapsody – A Decorative Panel |
Painter: | Alberto Vargas |
Original or Limited Edition: | Original |
Size – cm: | 42 X 52 |
Size – inches: | 16.5 X 20.5 |
Style: | Watercolor and Pencil |
Signed: | Alberto Vargas |
Dated: | 1927 on back |
Condition: | Overall good – light mold or foxing present |
Dedication: | Yes |
Dedication Text: | A mi amigo Felipe para que se dedique al arte su “tio” Alberto |
Dedication Translation: | To my friend Felipe who is dedicated to art, your “uncle” Alberto Lima Oct. 18, 1958 |
Framed: | No |
Painting #4 |
DETAILS | |
Title: | Cabaret Argentino |
Painter: | Alberto Vargas |
Original or Limited Edition: | Original |
Size – cm: | 40 X 53 |
Size – inches: | 15.75 X 21 |
Style: | Watercolor and Pencil |
Signed: | Alberto Vargas |
Condition: | Overall good – light mold or foxing present |
Dedication: | No |
Framed: | No |
Provenance |
These pieces were 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. The collection will be accompanied by a Letter of Provanance explaining their history and how the seller acquired them as well as 2 pictures of Vargas.
Since I am directly representing the seller, these pieces are being offered at a very reasonable price. If these were being sold through a gallery, obviously they 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 these 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 another biography of Vargas according to his great grand niece, click here
* To read the Cigar Aficianado biography of Vargas, click here
Condition |
All four pieces are watercolor and pencil and painted on sturdy card stock. Due to being stored in the humid climate of Peru for the past 50 years, they are all 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”believe come from the fox-like reddish-brown color of the stains.) These pieces can be restored by a paper conservator at a cost of approx. $300-500 each or they can easily be enjoyed as is.
The collection of 4 originals can be viewed in the West Suburban Chicago area. Free insured shipping within the Continental US. The 4 pieces will be securely packed and shipped in a large protective portfolio carrier inside of a well padded box. International shipping will be extra.
I will consider breaking up the set of 4. Please send interest and offers.
Price: Please contact Ron for pricing
Terms & Conditions
The artwork being offered on RonSusser.com is approved for sale by the respective artist and is 100% authentic. Buyer is responsible for the cost of shipping, insurance, and all other costs such as framing, crating etc.
If the artwork is being offered on an auction site, 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. 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!