Peruvian-born American illustrator (1896–1982) best remembered for his colorful, sensuous renderings of pinup-style nudes. ALS signed “Alberto,” one lightly-lined notebook page, 8.5 x 11, no date. Fantastic letter to Hugh Hefner. In full: “First and foremost I wish to thank you most sincerely for the sentiments you’ve expressed in the Foreword of the ‘Vargas Book,’ slated to see the light of day on Nov. 10 a.c. I[n] all honesty I must say that you dear Hef have played the most important part not only in my life, as an artist and as a husband of the only girl in the world who inspired me to accomplish the impossible. ‘My Anna.’ I am happy to inform you that I am working and finishing some 200 pencil drawings that accumulated in the the [sic] last 30 years! So I am grateful to the Providence that rewarded me with a steady hand, perfect eyesight and good health at my eighty second year of existence. If you should need me for anything at anytime just let me know and will [be] there ipso facto.” In fine condition, with expected rough left edge from removal from notebook.
After losing a lawsuit to Esquire Magazine, Vargas struggled financially until Hefner’s Playboy Magazine began immortalizing his Vargas Girls. The artist’s naughty pin-ups became an icon for the Playboy empire. Vargas’ note about his “eighty-second year of existence” places this letter around 1978. A touching expression of affection for the icon who made the illustrator wealthy and famous. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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