The Art of Pin-up. 40th Ed.

Pin-up art makes an impressive journey from the confines of barracks walls to the echelons of fine art. Since TASCHEN published "The Great American Pin-up," fascination with this unique form of American artwork has seen a remarkable surge. The works of renowned artists like Alberto Vargas, George Petty, and Gil Elvgren, which once fetched $2,000 in 1996, now command prices exceeding $200,000. Produced between 1920 and 1970, pin-up art features drawings, paintings, and pastels capturing idealized portrayals of women, primarily for use in calendars, magazine covers, and centerfolds. Publishers and calendar companies often discarded the original paintings post-printing, rendering the remaining pieces incredibly valuable. This well-priced edition highlights the top ten artists in this genre. Each section starts with a replica of an original calendar or magazine cover crafted by the artist. The exceptional quality of the reproductions, including paintings, pastels, and preparatory sketches—mostly derived from the original artworks—allows the viewer to appreciate the intricacy of the techniques used. Moreover, beautifully preserved period calendars, vintage prints, and original model photographs offer a glimpse into the creative journeys of these artists. Much of this ephemeral material was captured at the esteemed Brown & Bigelow Company, which boasts the world’s largest collection of vintage pin-up calendars.