Vargas Girl Appraisal

Framed Pin-Up Art Print by Alberto Vargas (Vargas Girl)

The item is a framed art print featuring a pin-up girl illustration, commonly referred to as a 'Vargas Girl.' The print depicts a smiling woman in a light-colored, possibly white or silver, one-piece bathing suit or leotard, wearing what appears to be a wide-brimmed hat. She is shown in a dynamic, reclined pose, with her legs extended and her arms angled, suggesting movement or a floating sensation. The background behind the figure is a vibrant yellow, transitioning into a cloud-like or smoke-like plume of reddish-brown/maroon color directly behind her body, enhancing the sense of motion. Her shoes are visible, characterized by a pointed toe and a small heel. The overall artistic style is characteristic of mid-20th-century aviation or 'nose art' pin-up illustrations, emphasizing graceful lines and idealized female forms. The print is housed within a simple, light-colored wooden frame with a visible grain, possibly natural oak or a light ash. The frame features a classic profile with a slightly recessed inner edge, followed by a cream or off-white matboard that surrounds the print. The matboard shows some signs of age, with potential discoloration or slight staining visible in some areas. The print itself appears to be in relatively good condition, though the visible reflections on the glass make it difficult to assess fine details or potential fading without glare. The frame itself also exhibits minor wear consistent with age and handling, such as small nicks or scratches on the wood finish. Based on the style, it likely dates from the 1940s to 1960s, a period when Alberto Vargas's work was highly popular.