Previously from the Estate of Charles Martignette.

Alberto Vargas (Peruvian/American, 1896-1982) Miss January, Nineteen Forty-Six!, Esquire gatefold study, January 1946 Watercolor and pencil on paper 35-1/4 x 20-3/4 inches (89.5 x 52.7 cm) Not signed Property from the Louis and Susan Meisel Collection PROVENANCE: Previously from the Estate of Charles Martignette. The final version of the present work appears in the January 1946 issue of Esquire on an exclusive double-sided four page gatefold with one side featuring the Varga Varieties of 1946 and the other with Miss January and the following verse by Phil Stack: This lovely starts a banner year In patriotic hue, Her hair is red, her suit is gold, Her eyes are clear and blue, She's half life-size to please you guys And tanned in beauty's art, The tops in tricks for '46–– So pin her to your heart! This work also appears on page 72 of Varga - The Esquire Years - A Catalogue Raisonné (Alfred Van Der Marck, 1987). HID12401132022 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

Light toning to sheet. UV examined, a few faint scattered brown pin point stains to areas of negative space. Area of staining along lower edge. Minor tear to lower left, not visible when framed. Framed under acrylic.
Framed Dimensions 42 X 27 Inches