December, Esquire Calendar by Varga

From the golden age of American pin-up illustration, this December page from the 1949 Esquire Girl Calendar showcases Alberto Vargas at his finest. The master illustrator presents a dark-haired beauty in a fur-trimmed Santa costume, playfully adjusting her cap while holding a Santa mask. Vargas's signature airbrush technique creates luminous, idealized flesh tones that made his work iconic. The accompanying quatrain adds characteristic Esquire wit: 'December is a lovely month / When cynics stop and pause / And after they have looked at me / Believe in Santy Claus!' The Esquire calendars were cultural phenomena of their era, distributed to millions during and after World War II. Vargas defined the American pin-up aesthetic, his work gracing barracks walls and suburban dens alike. This late-1940s piece captures the post-war optimism and playful sophistication that made these calendars treasured collectibles. A standout piece for collectors of mid-century illustration, pin-up art, or vintage Americana. The Christmas theme offers particular seasonal charm while the Vargas signature guarantees lasting appeal. *Please note image is from a calendar that has been separated, top border has been minorly trimmed to remove calendar wire-holes from binding. Size: 11.0" x 8.5" Artist: Alberto Vargas Condition: Very Good, Age-appropriate wear. Paper toning in accordance with the print's age. Marks/stains as per photo. Wear around the edges and minor paper loss might be present in some prints. Some illustrations may have writing or images on verso. Please refer to each print's image to get a better understanding of the condition.