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Alberto Vargas diary, 1940-1944

Physical Details: Diary : 1 v. : handwritten ; 24 x 15 cm.

Creator: Alberto Vargas (1896-1982)

Description: Dated entries range from 1940 to 1944.
Diary mainly devoted to Vargas' business relationship with the president and publisher of Esquire magazine, David Smart. Few entries involve Vargas' personal life. He recounts his association with Smart, whom he frequently quotes, from the time Vargas signed his first contract with Esquire until the deterioration of their collaboration.
Also contains approximately 35 pages of dated and undated drafts of personal letters, a draft of an undated business letter to his attorney concerning possible settlements in the fraud case against Alfred and David Smart, and two separate novel-like stories written in the third person about his artistic ambitions at the beginning of his career and his first encounters with his model, Anna Mae Clift (later Mrs. Vargas), who was the perfect embodiment of the "Vargas Girl."

Forms part of: Alberto Vargas papers, 1914-1981

Rights Statement: Current copyright status is undetermined

Citation: Alberto Vargas diary, 1940-1944. Alberto Vargas papers, Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.

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Digital ID: 14230

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