Alberto Vargas (Peruvian/American, 1896-1982) Nita Naldi, 1923 Watercolor on board 27-1/4 x 27-1/2 inches (69.2 x 69.8 cm) Signed and dated lower left: Albert Vargas / 1923 This iconic masterpiece by Alberto Vargas featuring actress Nita Naldi next to a classical Satyr sculpture draws from the rich visual culture of the early 20th century, blending glamour with mythology. Nita Naldi, a Ziegfeld Follies showgirl who went on to become a famous femme fatale of the silent screen known for her sultry and exotic roles, is depicted by Vargas with his signature blend of sensuality and elegance. Naldi gained widespread recognition for her performances alongside screen legends like Rudolph Valentino, most notably in the film Blood and Sand (1922). Naldi's dark beauty and enigmatic on-screen presence made her one of the most iconic figures of early Hollywood, symbolizing the allure and mystery of the silent film era. The juxtaposition of Naldi's striking beauty with the crudeness of the Satyr, a mythical figure symbolizing lust and indulgence, creates a compelling contrast between human allure and ancient myth. The Satyr sculpture, originally part of the theater lobby where the Ziegfeld Follies played on Broadway, adds an element of theatricality to the composition. There is also an inside joke in the work, as the Satyr sculpture was given to Flo Ziegfeld from a friend who noted the physical similarities of Satyr and Mr. Ziegfeld. This masterpiece had its gallery debut in 1985 at the San Francisco Art Exchange exhibition and was celebrated in media as the highlight of the artist's career. When the work sold for a record-breaking price at the exhibition, it became a newsworthy event which helped bring Pin-Up Art into the mainstream art market. Though Vargas kept this work in his private collection throughout his life, he did allow the piece to be published as a print in his later life, introducing this masterpiece to the public, and adding to its significance in the story of his career. Never before offered at auction, this is a unique opportunity to own one of the most important works by Vargas, bar none. The present work appears on pages 68-69 of Vargas by Alberto Vargas and Reid Austin (Harmony Books, 1978). HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved