drib 073 Peter Driben

The composition presents a female figure prominently positioned against a backdrop of diamond-patterned green and beige. The woman is depicted in a pose suggestive of playful flirtation; her body angled towards the viewer while her gaze appears directed slightly away, creating an ambiguous dynamic between invitation and distance. She wears red lingerie, accentuated by delicate white lace detailing, which draws attention to her form. A matching red bow adorns her hair, adding a touch of whimsical charm.
The text overlayed on the image provides contextual clues regarding its intended audience and purpose. The magazine title, Titter, coupled with the tagline “America’s Merriest Magazine,” establishes a tone of lightheartedness and entertainment. Further textual elements – Beautiful But Rough, and Getting Gerties Garter – employ suggestive language that reinforces the images focus on female allure and potentially titillating content. The price indication, $0.25”, situates the work within a specific historical context.
The artist’s signature, “Peter Driben,” is located in the lower right corner, indicating authorship and contributing to the artwork’s authenticity.
Subtextually, this image appears to engage with prevailing cultural attitudes towards femininity and sexuality during its time of creation. The idealized depiction of the female form aligns with common representations found in popular media aimed at a male audience. The combination of playful pose, suggestive text, and stylized rendering suggests an attempt to create an image that is both appealing and subtly provocative. The overall effect contributes to a sense of manufactured charm and reinforces established gender roles within the context of mid-20th century American culture.