Signed lower right

Louis K. Meisel Gallery, New York, "Great American Pin-Up," September 5-September 30, 2017; San Francisco Art Exchange LLC, San Francisco, "The Art of the Album Cover," September 15- October 20, 2018; Louis K. Meisel Gallery, New York, "The Great American Nude," September 5-October 7, 2023.

Alberto Vargas (Peruvian/American, 1896-1982) "You're Really Forgetful Darling," Playboy interior, 1964 Watercolor on board 25-1/2 x 16-1/2 inches (64.8 x 41.9 cm) (sight) Signed lower right Property from the Louis and Susan Meisel Collection EXHIBITED: Louis K. Meisel Gallery, New York, "Great American Pin-Up," September 5-September 30, 2017; San Francisco Art Exchange LLC, San Francisco, "The Art of the Album Cover," September 15- October 20, 2018; Louis K. Meisel Gallery, New York, "The Great American Nude," September 5-October 7, 2023. As with so many works from the Louis and Susan Meisel collection, You're Really Forgetful Darling, is a definitive offering by a signature artist within the history of 20th century Pin-Up Art. Created by Alberto Vargas as an interior for Playboy magazine, this work showcases Vargas's eye for unusual perspective, his virtuosity with tone and shadow to create sensual curve, and his judicious use of costuming and props to reveal more than they conceal. The sand and towel that surround the figure create a scene that rewards close and repeated viewing in ways that reflect the interest in non-representational art that was popular at the time, while the still life of fruit and champagne evoke classic tropes of art history. The artwork's soft sensuality, impeccable technical execution, and the details within the scene that invite the viewer to view pin-up as part of broader culture make it a perfect example of why Vargas remains one of the most celebrated pin-up artists of all time. The present work is published as a Playboy interior with the caption "You're Really Forgetful Darling, That's the Third Time You've Covered Me with Suntan Lotion." HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

1 inch area of loss at lower right extreme edge; diagonal scuff upper left corner, does not affect figure. Framed under acrylic. Framed Dimensions 36 X 27 Inches