An important large graphite and watercolor pin-up advertising illustration by the legendary Alberto Vargas for the 1943 M-G-M film starring Lucille Ball "Du Barry Was A Lady". Georgia Carroll, who inspired several of Vargas' whimsical yet sexy Varga girls, modeled for this pin-up illustration, and also was featured in the film. "Du Barry Was a Lady" marked a turning point in the career of the undisputed master of American pin-up. In 1940, after taking over from George Petty as the artist who created the sensuous gatefolds for which Esquire magazine was known, Esquire trademarked the name "Varga girl," dropping the s from the artist's name in order to own his work. His calendar girls were already popular by 1942, but when they were brought to life in this film, the Varga girl became a worldwide sensation. In this magical film clip you can watch the twelve pin-up girls who make up an Esquire Varga Calendar come to life in glorious technicolor.
Georgia Carroll was among the Hollywood starlets featured in the sequence, as "Miss January 1943" (though the calendar depicted was actually produced for 1942). Vargas was not only the subject of the glorious Esquire Girl sequence, he also created the advertising campaign for the movie, and this graphite and watercolor sketch was one of his many illustrations for the print advertisements.
Above: Full view of costune design
Above: Detail
In 1992, this was purchased from the Vargas estate as represented by Theron Kabrich at The San Francisco Art Exchange in San Francisco and it has been the hands of a private collector until now. All corresponding paperwork and provenance is included in this sale.
Above: Correspondence from San Francisco Art Exchange
This wonderful and important work is French matted and framed behind glass in a wonderful limed mahogany wood gallery frame and ready to enjoy.
Above: French matting and liner view
Above: Frame detail of wide profile lined mahogany fine gallery frame
The process of creating the lavish costumes and advertising campaigns for Du Barry Was a Lady as recounted in the 1979 coffee table art book "Vargas".
