Calendar art was one of the most widely distributed forms of commercial illustration in mid-20th century America, printed by the millions and hung in garages, offices, and workshops across the country. The format gave illustrators unusual creative latitude, and some genuinely accomplished painters worked in it. Alberto Vargas, whose pin-up work for Esquire reached a national audience, is among the most recognized names from that tradition. Period originals from this world are rarer than their original print runs suggest.