wge2-011 Gil Elvgren (1914-1980)

Here we observe a depiction of a young woman in a relaxed and playful pose. She is seated on a modern chair with a geometric design, its frame rendered in shades of red, orange, and white. The chairs structure emphasizes her posture; she sits forward, legs slightly parted, suggesting both ease and an inviting openness. A light-colored robe or dressing gown is casually draped over her shoulders, revealing a glimpse of delicate lace beneath.
The woman’s attention is directed towards a small stringed instrument – likely a ukulele – which she holds in her hands. Her expression conveys amusement and contentment; a bright smile illuminates her face, and her eyes sparkle with an engaging quality. The artist has rendered her skin tone as pale, contrasting with the darker hair styled in fashionable waves of the era. She wears what appear to be sheer stockings and elegant yellow shoes that draw attention to her legs.
The background is a flat, uniform pink, which serves to isolate the figure and direct focus onto her. A turquoise border frames the composition, adding a touch of vibrancy and reinforcing the image’s decorative nature. The text SITTING PRETTY appears at the bottom edge, suggesting a theme of charm, grace, and perhaps a carefully cultivated persona.
Subtly, the work conveys an atmosphere of domestic leisure and feminine allure characteristic of mid-20th century popular culture. The womans pose and expression are designed to be appealing and accessible, while the modern chair and ukulele suggest a contemporary setting and lifestyle. There is a sense of manufactured charm; she appears poised and pleasant, but also somewhat stylized – a carefully constructed image intended for consumption.