Alberto Vargas (Peruvian/American, 1896-1982) Yearning, circa 1920 Watercolor on board 17 x 12 inches (43.2 x 30.5 cm) Signed lower left: Albert Vargas Yearning is a quintessential example of Alberto Vargas's mastery in portraying the female form with elegance and sensuality. During his time with the Ziegfeld Follies, Vargas was deep in exploration of erotically charged contemplative moments such as this. The full nudity of the piece marks the work as one he was creating as a piece not for Follies use—though the revue was scandalous for the day, Ziegfeld did not allow works this overt in his advertising. The sense of a stolen moment captured here is apt for a work created in Vargas's personal time. Beautiful and haunting, Yearning showcases Vargas's ability to blend beauty and emotion, capturing not just the physical allure of his subject but also a sense of inner desire and contemplation, making the painting resonate with timeless appeal. The present work appears on page 18 of Vargas by Alberto Vargas and Reid Austin (Harmony Books, 1978). HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved