Heritage Auctions

E-mail this page to a friend

17 original pieces from the Playboy Collection at Heritage Auction Galleries Illustration Auction, March 12

DALLAS, TX: From its very first issue, Playboy magazine has showcased artwork that is irreverent, hip and visually dazzling -a "gallery readers can hold in their hands." Now, with Playboy -I Read It For the Art on the block in Dallas, at Heritage Auction Galleries Uptown Dallas headquarters on March 12, a selection of works from that extraordinary "gallery" is available to grace the walls of discriminating collectors worldwide.

Hugh Hefner's vision of a magazine combining eye-popping art with great articles (and of course, pictures of beautiful women) brought fame to a wide range of stellar artists and shattered the traditional barrier between illustration and fine art. Hefner gave founding Art Director Art Paul license to fill Playboy's pages with fresh artworks by revered pin-up artist Alberto Vargas and then-unknown (but now legendary) artists such as LeRoy Neiman, Brad Holland, Kinuko Craft, Patrick Nagel and Donato Giancola. 

Now, a few of those artists' finest works have been chosen for Playboy - I Read It For the Art, celebrating the refined taste and rigorous execution of the magazine's artists.

 "This collection of 17 original works represents the great depth and range of Playboy art," said Playboy's art curator, Aaron Baker, who personally selected this group from the Playboy magazine archives. "You really see the Playboy artists' passion for creating beautiful, fully realized objects.  Whether you're enjoying one of Brad Holland's erotic figures or an exquisitely painted page from a "Little Annie Fanny" story, you are experiencing an artwork worthy of any gallery. These pieces succeed beautifully on two levels, both as magazine illustrations and as works of art in their own right."

"This collection reflects the incredible diversity of art that Playboy has commissioned over more than five decades," said Jared Green, Vice President of Heritage Auction Galleries. "Collectors will prize these works, not only for the beauty of the women they depict, but also for the wide range of artistic visions that they represent."

Among the highlights will be two works by renowned Japanese artist Kinuko Craft; an important, early "Vargas Girl" from 1961, and a masterful, oil on panel work by Donato Giancola. Collectors also will revel in two complete "Little Annie Fanny" epic cartoons, rendered as lovingly and lusciously as any Renaissance fresco ,  by Harvey Kurtzman, Will Elder and their band of zany artists.

For more than five decades, Playboy has led the "Illustration Liberation Movement," introducing millions of readers to the passion and talent of its startling, unpredictable artists. Thanks to Hugh Hefner's extraordinary vision, Playboy's artists have created enduring works that not only illustrate, but also illuminate.

More images from Playboy -I Read It For the Art are available online by visiting HA.com/Playboy.

Playboy representatives are available for media interviews. To arrange an interview, please call Elizabeth Austin at Playboy Enterprises, Inc., at (312) 373-2447 or email at eaustin@playboy.com or contact Heritage's PR department at (800) 872-6467, ext. 1583.

Heritage is the world's third largest auction house, and by far the largest auctioneer of rare collectibles, with annual sales more than $700 million, and 425,000+ registered online bidder members.

E-mail this page to a friend