82 Masterpieces By Zoe Mozert | Pin-up Artist and Model Extraordinaire

Zoe Mozert's Illustrations

In the annals of pin-up artistry, one name stands out as both the brush behind the canvas and the captivating subject in front of it — Zoe Mozert (née Alice Adelaide Moser). Born on April 27, 1907, in Colorado Springs,  her journey from a small-town girl to one of the most sought-after pin-up artists of her time is a testament to both her artistic prowess and unwavering determination. Zoe's roots trace back to a family of German descent, with her father Fred William Moser, a skilled mechanical engineer who had emigrated to America, altering the family name from Mozar to Moser. Her mother, Jessie Mabel Hatfield, hailed from Ohio and dedicated her days to homemaking. The Moser family, which included Zoe as their first child, navigated various relocations, a consequence of Fred's invention and patent of a cast-iron ventilation design for blast furnaces that propelled the family's fortunes.

Despite the nomadic lifestyle, Zoe's early aptitude for art was evident. Her artistic journey commenced at the LaFrance art school and continued at the Art and Industrial School of the Philadelphia Museum. Zoe's determination to finance her education led her to work as a model, possibly posing for renowned artist H.J. Ward. In 1932, Zoe set her sights on the bustling artistic landscape of New York City, seeking freelance opportunities in the magazine industry. Her debut illustrations found a home in Bernard Macfadden's True Story, marking the genesis of her professional identity as "Zoe Mozert." Her choice of the name, she revealed, came after an exhaustive search through a name dictionary, settling on Zoe when no pages were left.

The era's magazines, distinct from their modern counterparts, served as collections of stories and continuations, with covers designed to entice readers. Zoe's unique approach garnered attention, propelling her from freelancing to a staff position in glamour magazines. Paramount Pictures enlisted her talents for a poster promoting "A True Confession," featuring Carole Lombard. Zoe Mozert left an indelible mark on advertising, producing iconic pieces for Dr. Pepper and various tobacco brands. Her artworks featuring movie star portraits promoting products became textbook examples. In 1941, she signed an exclusive fifteen-year contract as the lead pin-up calendar artist for Brown & Bigelow. Simultaneously, she served as an art advisor and artist for Warner Brothers in Hollywood, contributing to films like "Never Say Goodbye" and "Calendar Girl."

Notably, Zoe painted Jane Russell's controversial poster for the classic Howard Hughes film "The Outlaw." In 1978, she relocated to Sedona, Arizona, where she continued creating pastel drawings and portraits, showcasing her enduring artistic passion. Zoe's personal life unfolded in parallel to her professional success. Her parents, Fred and Jessie, lived long lives, a testament to the Moser family's resilience. Zoe herself eventually settled in the County House in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she passed away on February 1, 1993. Despite the societal prejudices of her time, Zoe Mozert defied norms, becoming one of the foremost pin-up artists and models. Her paintings, adorned with a unique blend of artistic mastery and personal charm, still command significant prices in the art market. Zoe's legacy endures, inspiring women artists to follow their passions and leave an indelible mark on the world, much like the trailblazing artist herself.