This painting was created as part of a substantial marketing plan that Alberto Vargas developed with Allied Artists for the 1956 film World Without End.
Vargas did the set designs for the film - much as he had done early in his career in Hollywood in the 1930s. In addition to these, he also used his masterful and world-famous technique to create costume studies for each of the three main female characters. Each with Vargas’ vision of feminine fashion in a futuristic style.
The paintings he created were then used in a unique and eye-catching life-sized movie poster that was used in theaters to advertise the film. The marketing plan suggested that the theaters cut out the full-size pinups and pose them around the lobby to attract attention - and they most certainly would!
The subject is Nancy Gates, a Hollywood actress from the age of 15, when she received her first studio contract from RKO Pictures. She appeared in 34 films/serials but retired in 1969 to be closer to family. She died at the age of 93 in March, 2019.
Shortly after it was created, this painting was gifted to very close personal friends of Alberto and Anna Mae Vargas, in whose private collection it was treasured for decades.
Collector's Notes:
20” x 30” Approximate size
Signed Original Artwork
Watercolor on Board - Available for resale!