This Ziegfeld girl enjoys a private moment as she smokes a cigarette in her dressing room. Completely unselfconscious, this is an unusual portrayal of a model: while the pose is informal, Vargas has created an image that, ironically, conveys both glamor and simple elegance. She epitomizes the attitude and sprit of the Roaring Twenties.
The original painting that this image is based on was produced in 1927 and was posed by Shirley Vernon. "Beyond nudity and the silk stockings," Alberto once said about this work, "the idea of a woman smoking raised eyebrows - altogether shocking."
The "Lifetime Portfolio"
In the late 1970s, Alberto Vargas was invited to produce a series of limited edition lithographs of a number of his early paintings. An agreement was reached and he chose five of his favorite Ziegfeld period beauties to be published.
A total of 1,000 prints were authorized, 500 for domestic distribution and 500 for international release. None of these were signed by Vargas, rather they were signed by an authorized representative as a "Proxy Signature".
After the main edition was finalized, the publishers approached Vargas to personally hand-sign 50 additional prints designated as Artist Proofs. He agreed and thus he created the only limited edition "Artist Signed" prints by Alberto Vargas.
The Lifetime Portfolio prints are offset lithographs on BFK Rives fine-art paper.
Collector's Notes:
We generally have a small inventory of proxy-signed pieces available that can be purchased using the CHOOSE A SIZE button below. Orders will be shipped within 2-4 days.
We may also have a signed version in stock. Please contact us for availability and pricing on these pieces.
Buyers will receive a certificate of authenticity following the delivery of their artwork.