Welcome

Mary Belle de Vargas was an artist from Natchitoches, Louisiana, born without arms, who rose to regional prominence and national attention in the first half of the 20th Century.

This site provides brief biographical details about her life and work, as well as a gallery of photographs and several examples of her art.

Ms. de Vargas was also the subject of a biography, The Armless Marvel, Mary Belle, written by Gualterio Quinonas, and published by North River Press in 1949.
Request for Information
We are actively seeking to deepen the historical record on the life and work of Mary Belle de Vargas. If you have information on Ms. de Vargas, including personal memories, correspondence, and/or works of art, we would love to hear from you at marybelledevargas@gmail.com.