Originally published as a gatefold in the June 1943 issue of Esquire, this iconic image by Alberto Vargas became one of his most recognized works of World War II. Known as the “Varga Girl,” her calm, serene expression offered a sense of reassurance, and American GIs frequently painted her on aircraft as a symbol of good luck. The original artwork is part of the permanent collection at the Spencer Museum at the University of Kansas.
This Esquire edition is printed on an Arches watercolor paper and is from an edition of 50.
The lithographs have been carefully preserved in the family’s private archive for over 30 years and are now being made available to the public for the very first time.