November, Esquire Calendar by Varga

This November page from the 1949 Esquire Girl Calendar showcases Alberto Vargas at the height of his commercial powers. The composition features his signature glamour: a radiant brunette in a military-style cap, kneeling gracefully while holding a maritime signal flag. Her knowing smile and the playful poem above, referencing 'signals mixed,' demonstrate the sophisticated wit that distinguished Vargas's work from lesser pin-up artists. Vargas brought fine art training to commercial illustration, and it shows in the masterful rendering of skin tones, the anatomically graceful pose, and the subtle pink shadows that give dimension to the cream background. The signal flag adds a touch of post-war Americana, nodding to the military themes that made his work beloved by servicemen throughout the decade. A quintessential example of mid-century American illustration at its most polished, this calendar page bridges wartime nostalgia with peacetime prosperity. A standout piece for collectors of pin-up art, Vargas originals, or the golden age of American magazine illustration. *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.