drib 009 Peter Driben

The composition presents a female figure in a pose suggestive of both vulnerability and allure. She is seated, her legs crossed at the ankles, angled towards the viewer. The posture conveys a sense of relaxed confidence, while the slightly parted lips and direct gaze establish an intimate connection with the observer. Her attire – a white, lacy garment – is deliberately revealing, emphasizing the curves of her body. Stockings are visible, held up by garters, adding to the overall effect of stylized femininity.
The background is a solid, saturated red, which serves to isolate and highlight the figure. This stark contrast intensifies the focus on her form and contributes to a sense of theatricality. The text overlaying the image – Beauty Parade, The Worlds Loveliest Girls – and the price indication (Feb. 25¢) firmly situate this work within the context of popular culture, specifically as promotional material for a periodical aimed at a male audience.
Beyond the surface level depiction of beauty, subtexts relating to objectification and idealized femininity emerge. The woman’s gaze, while seemingly direct, lacks genuine depth; it appears manufactured, intended to elicit desire rather than express individual personality. The carefully constructed pose and revealing clothing suggest a performance of femininity designed for consumption.
The overall effect is one of calculated charm, where the subjects appeal is presented as both accessible and slightly out of reach. This interplay between proximity and distance reinforces the power dynamics inherent in the image’s intended function – to attract attention and generate sales through the presentation of an idealized female form.