Legacy Nude #4, Exuberance

Alberto Vargas neared perfection in this astonishing image. In the play of light and shadow, unity and rhythm of form, luxuriant cascading hair, and magnificent facial detail, Vargas has given us a goddess, benevolently smiling down upon us. 

Playboy Magazine reportedly tried to buy this painting for publication in 1963, but Vargas refused, saying it had been lost - a testament to his driving passion to create a valuable collection of pieces for his wife's security, his legacy.