C-GE 016 Gil Elvgren (1914-1980)

The artwork presents a woman in a stylized winter setting. She is positioned centrally, seated on what appears to be a snowdrift or iceberg. The figure wears a red, fur-trimmed garment that evokes a Santa Claus suit, though the cut and fit are overtly feminine and suggestive. Her posture is relaxed yet provocative; one leg is bent at the knee, revealing a portion of her skin beneath the robe’s hemline. A playful smile adorns her face, directed towards the viewer.
The background consists of a pale blue sky, contributing to an atmosphere that feels both cold and somewhat surreal. Three penguins are clustered around the base of the snowdrift, their presence adding a layer of incongruity to the scene. They appear almost as props in a staged encounter.
A border frames the composition, creating a sense of containment and reinforcing its status as a deliberate artistic creation. The inscription My Tales Told is positioned at the bottom edge, suggesting a narrative element or perhaps an invitation to interpret the image beyond its surface appearance.
The subtexts within this work are complex. It seems to blend elements of fantasy, sexuality, and commercial appeal. The woman’s attire and pose borrow from traditional Christmas iconography but recontextualize them through a lens of feminine allure. The penguins introduce an element of absurdity and detachment, potentially commenting on the artificiality of the scene or the constructed nature of desire. The inscription hints at a personal narrative, inviting speculation about the story behind this unusual encounter. Overall, the painting appears to be designed to elicit both amusement and a degree of visual intrigue through its unexpected juxtaposition of elements.