This is an original pencil & colored pencil drawing on tracing paper which served as the basis for the final design that appeared as the March, 1944 page of the Esquire Calendar. This image of a young brunette seated with her arms around one knee is a fantastic example of Alberto Vargas' process.
As an extraordinarily skilled artist, he had great facility with drawing the human form, and a unique ability to develop new poses and themes he had not used before. To do so, he would often complete his preliminary sketches & drawings as nudes first, in order to carefully position and control the contours of the figure. Later he would add clothing and accessories to provide context and scenery.
In this piece, the only article of clothing is a yellow ribbon in her hair. The color is likely a reference to war-time and the centuries-old tradition of wearing a yellow ribbon for the soldiers who are away at war. Interestingly, it was changed to green in the final watercolor version, with matching green heeled slippers and a sheer teddy.
Ref # (SK-328)
22" x 30" Artwork Size
Pencil & Colored Pencil Drawing
Original artwork - SOLD