Robert Branham (American, 1926-2012) original pen and watercolor on illustration board architectural rendering of Playboy's Weekend Hideaway.

This illustration appeared on page 51 of the April 1959 issue of Playboy magazine with the caption, "Rec Room—nicknamed "the cave" because of its subterranean location beneath the guest wing and its prehistoric wall decoration--makes it possible for those who are interested in gamesmanship to play indoors undisturbed and undisturbing. Here the music is unadulterated juke box; here an all-night poker session may greet the dawn light filtering through the pool. On invitingly warm nights, when the pool walls' recessed lights are on and it's floodlit for a midnight swimming party, the cave's windows are luminous living murals. Other times, there's a choice of games of chance and skill, including billiards and darts. And there is a bar-type bar where one may take refreshment between sessions of kibitzing, or sit and sip while observing the swimmers through the underwater windows. A folding table-tennis "court" may be placed over the billiard table; wall panels conceal cupboards for sports equipment and storage for skis in summer and boating and pool gear in winter."

Sight: 13.5 x 17.5 inches; Framed: 20.75 x 25.25 inches

PROVENANCE Property From the Playboy Archives