rpd-05 Peter Driben

The artwork presents a female figure in a stylized, somewhat theatrical pose. She is clad in a red two-piece bathing suit with white trim and a prominent bow detail at the center of the top. Her posture suggests a precarious balance; one leg is bent and raised, while the other extends forward, creating a dynamic diagonal across the composition. The angle of her body directs attention towards the telephone receiver held to her ear.
The figure’s expression conveys surprise or perhaps mild annoyance, with slightly parted lips and widened eyes. Her hair, a rich auburn hue, is styled in loose waves that cascade over one shoulder. Jewelry, including earrings, adds a touch of glamour. The rendering emphasizes smooth skin tones and carefully defined musculature, contributing to an idealized representation of the female form.
The background is a solid, saturated yellow, which serves to isolate the figure and intensify her presence. A thick black border frames the composition, further emphasizing its artificiality and creating a sense of enclosure.
Subtextually, the work appears to engage with themes of domestic interruption and feminine allure. The telephone, a symbol of communication and connection, is presented as an intrusion into a moment of leisure or privacy. The figure’s pose, while suggestive of playfulness, also hints at vulnerability and a potential disruption of her self-contained world. The overall effect evokes a sense of manufactured charm and carefully constructed femininity, characteristic of certain mid-century aesthetic trends. The signature Peter Driben placed beneath the image suggests an intentionality in its creation and presentation as a work of art.