drib 001 Peter Driben

The composition presents a woman in a stylized pose against a vibrant yellow background. The figure is positioned slightly off-center, drawing immediate attention to her face and upper body while hinting at the lower portion through the strategic arrangement of fabric. Her hair, a fiery red, is styled with waves and adorned with a dark ribbon, contributing to an overall sense of glamour and sophistication.
The womans gaze is directed upwards and slightly away from the viewer, conveying a feeling of introspection or perhaps a distant preoccupation. This averted look avoids direct engagement, creating a subtle distance between the subject and the audience. Her hand rises towards her face in a gesture that could be interpreted as either coy modesty or a playful invitation.
She wears an emerald green dress with a low-cut neckline trimmed with black lace, revealing portions of her shoulders and upper chest. The fabric clings to her form, emphasizing curves while maintaining a degree of formality. Stockings, held up by visible garters, complete the ensemble, adding another layer of visual interest and reinforcing the images association with feminine allure.
The text overlaying the composition – Beauty Parade, the World’s Loveliest Girls – and the price indication (25¢) firmly situate this work within a commercial context, likely as a magazine cover. The inclusion of terms like “Showgirls,” “Models,” and “Pin-Ups” further clarifies its purpose: to showcase idealized representations of female beauty intended for consumption.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of femininity, desirability, and the construction of image within popular culture. The woman’s pose and expression suggest a carefully curated persona, hinting at the performative nature of beauty standards prevalent during the era. The bright color palette and idealized form contribute to an atmosphere of fantasy and escapism, characteristic of mid-century advertising aimed at a male audience.