Alberto Vargas
When I was a naughty little kid, I used to often take a sneek peek at a book full of nudes that was hiding in my parent’s bedroom. It was a Playboy book of illustrated nudes by Alberto Vargas (I still have it today!!!).
Alberto Vargas was born in Arequipa, Peru, in 1896 (he passed away in 1982). His name has become synonymous with pin-up girls. Esquire magazine made him famous and later in his life, Vargas (who signed his work “Varga”) was signed up by Mr Playboy himself, Hugh Hefner. His regular Playboy slot in the 1960s and ’70s elevated Vargas to the legend he is today.
Check out Varga works here, here and some essays here. Also research George Petty, the man who inspired Vargas. He’s perhaps most famous for painting the girl on the Memphis Belle.
