July, Esquire Calendar by Varga

This July page from the 1949 Esquire Girl Calendar showcases Alberto Vargas at the height of his powers as America's premier pin-up artist. The composition features a radiant blonde in a patriotic red, white, and blue swimsuit, her pose both athletic and alluring in the artist's signature airbrushed style. White roses tucked behind her ear add a touch of romantic softness to the sporty beach theme. The accompanying verse playfully references the Atlantic Charter, connecting summertime leisure to the recent wartime past in a manner typical of late 1940s popular culture. Vargas's masterful handling of flesh tones and his ability to suggest movement while maintaining idealized beauty made him the definitive pin-up artist of his generation. A wonderful example of mid-century American illustration from the golden age of pin-up art, this calendar page represents both artistic achievement and cultural history. The Esquire calendars were cherished possessions in post-war America, and Vargas's contributions remain the most collectible of the genre. *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" 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.