Aug. 1943 “Eyeful” Issue Featuring Merlin Enabnit Pin-Up Artwork.
Lot 402. Aug. 1943 “Eyeful” Issue Featuring Merlin Enabnit Pin-Up Artwork. Born in Des Moines, Enabnit was a versatile artist recognized for not only his pin-up illustrations, but for his portraits, landscapes and advertising artwork as well. In Seattle, he became known as the city’s “Wizard of Color.” Subsequently, he taught at the Art Institute of Chicago and other schools there. And in Hollywood in the 1940s, he created ads for V-8, Miller Beer and other companies, as well as famous Merlin Girl pin-ups. Later, as a nationally recognized portrait artist in Chicago, he was commissioned to do a portrait of Ralph Bunch and other United Nations leaders. He wrote several books on painting and received numerous awards, including a fellowship in the Royal Society of Arts in London. The magazine, Vol. 1, No. 3, consists of 64 pages printed in brown and white. Almost every page has a model, dancer or actress; most are identified by first name only. Exceptions are made for burlesque dancers Dorothy Darling, June Wayne, Dolores Dawn, Ann Morley, Jeannie Caton, Nancy Hale, Norine Howell, Jean Frazer, Pat Paree, Faith Arlen, Carolyn Biddle and Vivian Roberts and for actresses or models Maria Montez, Marjorie Woodworth, Carol Bruce, Peggy Moran, June Millarde, Shirley Patterson, Elizabeth Earle, Evelyn Keyes, Marion Odello, Helen Colby and Lotus Lee. Vg, 1” cover tear away from Enabnit’s pin-up but through his facsimile signature. Winning Bid $40.