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.
The Legacy Nudes:
This series consists of twelve spectacular paintings that Alberto Vargas created over a period of several years in order to demonstrate his exceptional abilities. He once said that these paintings were "the best I can do."
Vargas' achievements with capturing light, shading, and tone with watercolor and airbrush in the
Legacy Nudes were unprecedented. These exquisite representations of the female form have a dramatic visual impact and their lifelike appearance leaves a delightful impression that is sure to impress any viewer. They are an extraordinary artistic accomplishment.
Upon the completion of the last painting in 1956, they were set aside, not to be released in his lifetime, in order to create a legacy to support his beloved wife Anna Mae in the case of his death. Sadly, she predeceased Alberto, and these treasured paintings became his personal gifts to their heirs instead.
Release Notes:
The
Limited Edition Legacy Nudes Collection includes twelve impeccable lithographs of these masterpieces. Several are represented here on our site,
please contact us for a complete PDF catalogue of all twelve pieces.
This image was printed in two different editions to offer a choice of finishes.
- The Arches Edition was printed on ARCHES Watercolor paper, an archival, 100% cotton paper used by professional artists for centuries.
- The Deluxe Edition was printed on a patented archival paper called Opalesque which has a surface that emulates the look and feel of silk.