drib 196 Peter Driben

The composition presents a woman in a provocative pose against a vibrant red background. She is positioned on what appears to be a stool or pedestal, leaning forward with her body angled towards the viewer. Her attire consists of a black balconette bra and high-waisted shorts, complemented by sheer stockings and pointed heels. The artist has rendered her skin tone with a warm, almost luminous quality, contrasting sharply with the dark fabric and the intense background color.
Her expression is one of playful surprise or mock shock, her eyes wide and mouth slightly open. This exaggerated reaction contributes to the overall sense of flirtation and manufactured innocence that characterizes the image. A domestic cat, positioned directly beneath her, adds an element of unexpected juxtaposition – a symbol of domesticity placed within a scene designed for overt sensuality. The animal’s gaze is directed upwards towards the woman, further emphasizing this dynamic.
The typography layered across the top portion of the composition reinforces the suggestive nature of the scene. Bold lettering announces Flirt and Fresh Magazine, while smaller text indicates “April 25¢.” A tagline at the bottom reads Dance of the Voodoo Virgin, introducing a layer of exoticism and potentially hinting at themes beyond simple romantic allure.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around notions of female sexuality, performance, and manufactured desire prevalent in mid-century popular culture. The woman is not presented as an individual but rather as a type – a carefully constructed fantasy designed to elicit a specific response from the viewer. The use of vibrant color, exaggerated poses, and suggestive language all contribute to this effect. The inclusion of the cat introduces a subtle element of irony, perhaps commenting on the artificiality of the scene or playing with expectations regarding femininity and domestic roles. Overall, the work functions as an advertisement designed to appeal to a male audience through the presentation of a stylized and idealized female figure.