Diana
Alberto Vargas captured nobility and strength in this portrayal of the "Goddess of the Hunt." Originally inspired by Ziegfeld Follies star, Caja Erik, the contrast of Vargas' classically-rendered figure on a dream-like Art Deco backdrop is striking. It took confidence and vision to marry two styles in this way with such wonderful results.

Lithograph on Rives BFK paper
29" h x 22" w

Fleurs du Mal
Reminiscent of Matisse's Odalisque series, the sultry atmosphere found in this image is compelling. Vargas created a fine sense of time and place when he painted this piece. Like a director staging a scene, he drew a rich mood from his model--another of Ziegfeld's performers--and placed her in an environment that suggests a life of abandon.

Lithograph on Rives BFK paper
22" h x 29" w

Nita Naldi
With her green feline eyes, Nita Naldi, Ziegfeld Follies performer and star of the silent screen, set the heart of Valentino on fire. In this portrait, the actress also seems to bring life to a stone statue of Pan! This piece was originally painted from life and appeared modified in Shadowland magazine in the 1920's. In 1986, the original painting Nita Naldi sold for $300,000.

Lithograph on Rives BFK paper
29" h x 21" w

Smoke Dreams
In this Vargas painting, a Ziegfeld girl enjoys a private moment as she smokes a cigarette in her dressing room. Completely unselfconscious, this is an unusual portrayal of the model: while the pose is informal, Vargas has created an image that, ironically, conveys both glamour and simple elegance.

Lithograph on Rives BFK paper
29" h x 21" w