The Nymphette - “To Be Or Not To Be?”, 1964

This is an original pencil & colored pencil drawing on tracing paper which served as the basis for the final painting that appeared in the May, 1964 issue of Playboy Magazine. A flawless study dealing with the idealized American female and her ability to seduce and enchant. Notice the hanging wig, make-up, lipstick, perfume, and mirror. Should she stay brunette or go blonde for the evening? 

Collector's Notes:
This is a preliminary drawing used to propose a new Vargas Girl for an upcoming edition of Playboy Magazine.  

For each published piece, Vargas would first sketch a preliminary design such as this one for approval. He would ship several to Playboy's main offices where Hugh Hefner and the Art Directors would review each one. Once approved, they would be returned to Vargas and he would then use them to create an entirely new painting for use in the magazine. 

Although these drawings are not typically signed - as they are working designs rather than finished pieces - they do often feature handwriting from Alberto Vargas and/or notes from Playboy's Art Directors (Art Paul or Reid Austin) regarding colors, accessories, positioning etc. Occasionally Hugh Hefner has personally initialed and dated the piece, giving his final approval for the magazine.

These drawings are magnificent artifacts from the process of publishing the legendary Vargas Girl.

Ref# (SK-416)

22" x 30" Artwork Size
Pencil & colored pencil drawing
Original artwork - SOLD