Black Magic by Alberto Vargas
Alberto Vargas is perhaps the best known and most respected of all the pin-up girl artists. Born in Arequipa, Peru in 1896, he was the son of portrait photographer Max Vargas. His father secured an apprenticeship for Vargas at Julien Studios in Switzerland in 1915. Not long after arrival in Switzerland, Vargas decided that Europe during World War I was not a very healthy place to be and so traveled to New York in 1916. After two lucky breaks, producing lobby painting for Ziegfield Follies in the 20s and Hollywood portraits of stars in the 30s, Vargas was approached to provide artwork for the newly started Esquire Magazine in 1940.

This limited edition print is long sold out and only available on the secondary market. This piece was originally offered in 1990 with an edition size of only 300 on Deluxe Opalesque Silk. This print is #52/300 from the deluxe printing.

The official printers terminology for this piece is limited edition continuous-tone lithographic print.

It was published after the artists death and is therefore an estate edition. His trademarked “Varga” signature, used when he painted for Esquire, has been silk screened on the print.

This edition was printed on Opalesque Silk tm 100% rag archival print paper by Black Box Collo Type Studios, Inc. which is one of the premier fine art printing houses in the world.

This beautiful piece of art is magnificently framed with a black frame and double matting. The framing alone is valued at least $500.

Be sure to notice the incredible detail and beauty of this print. This piece is conservatively valued at $4500 without the value of the framing.

This is a rare opportunity to own a beautiful piece of art. This fine art will come complete with a Certificate of Authenticity from the San Francisco Art Exchange.

Alberto Vargas was the most famous of the Twentieth Century American Pin-up artists. More than any other, he can be called the father of the American pin-up. In addition, this piece represents a chance to own a special part of the edition which is normally not available to the general public. Bid with confidence since I guarantee the authenticity of this piece.

Winning bidder to add an estimated $150 for secure packing and insured shipping in the US. International shipping will be more or pick up in Florida.

The seller has decided to liquidate his collection of Vargas prints. He owns 17 prints (12 framed and 5 unframed) including:

1. Sea Shells #12 Deluxe Edition

2. Silk Stockings

3. Vargas Legacy Girl 126/200

4. 1944 November 124/200

5. World War II

6. South Pacific 139/250

7. Black Magic 52/300

8. Enchanted Evening 126/375

9. Temptation 77/200

10. Sweet Dreams

11. 50th Anniversary

12. Jeanne 37/300

13. Sitting Pretty

14. Day Dreaming

15. Dancing on Air

16. Cover Girl

17. Satin Doll

These pieces can be purchased individually or in groups or as an entire lot.