If you’re looking for something to read during your Friday morning java break, there was a nice article in the LA Times a few days ago about the legendary pin-up model Bettie Page. Virtually forgotten for decades, she became a cult figure after comic artist and illustrator Dave Stevens included a very Bettie-like character in his classic Rocketeer stories. Her notoriety was further enhanced by cheesecake artist Olivia de Bernardis and the revival of interest in all things retro. Now, at the age of 82, she’s probably the best-known model of her time (the late ’40s and ’50s), next to Marilyn Monroe.

Personally, I have mixed feelings about Bettie. In some photos and poses, I find her very attractive; in others, there’s something odd about her appearance that leaves me wondering what all the fuss is about. (To her credit, Bettie herself would probably say the same thing.) But I do like vintage and retro-style pin-up art, and I also like a good story, and Bettie’s life has definitely been one of those. It even has an effective ending, at least if you’re a sentimental old schmuck like me:

Page had one request for this story — that her face not be photographed.

 

“I want to be remembered,” she said, “as I was when I was young and in my golden times… I want to be remembered as a woman who changed people’s perspectives concerning nudity in its natural form.”

 

But this much can be shared. Her face remains smooth and fresh, and one can still see the face of the young woman in the old. Her eyes, bright blue, still sparkle.