pcal ge pad 020201 Gil Elvgren (1914-1980)

The composition presents a female figure in a stylized pose, set against a backdrop that combines elements of domesticity and calendar iconography. The woman is depicted seated on a yellow wooden chair, her posture suggesting both confidence and playful nonchalance. She wears a fitted outfit – a light blue top with a contrasting red bandanna tied around her head, paired with matching trousers and high-heeled boots. A holster containing what appears to be a firearm is visible at her hip, introducing an element of unexpected juxtaposition within the otherwise conventional depiction of feminine allure.
The artist employed a vibrant color palette dominated by yellows, blues, and reds, contributing to the overall sense of energy and visual appeal. The lighting highlights the figure’s form, emphasizing curves and creating a glossy sheen on her attire. A circular object, seemingly a hula hoop, is suspended in mid-air near her outstretched hand, adding another layer of playful dynamism to the scene.
To the right of the central figure, a calendar panel dominates the visual space. The month of February is prominently displayed, with the date 2 highlighted in large numerals. Beneath this, the day of the week – “Friday” – is indicated alongside translations into other languages. This integration of a calendar element suggests a deliberate connection between the depicted scene and the passage of time, potentially implying a commentary on routine or scheduled events.
The text at the top right corner provides additional information regarding the artworks creation date (1967) and its provenance from the archives of Brown & Bigelow, St. Paul, Minnesota. The title A Key Situation appears both within the calendar panel and as a smaller inscription near the chair’s legs, hinting at an underlying narrative or symbolic meaning that remains open to interpretation.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of femininity, Americana, and perhaps even a subtle commentary on societal expectations through the unexpected combination of elements – the suggestive pose, the firearm, and the calendars rigid structure. The overall effect is one of calculated artifice, blending idealized beauty with an undercurrent of playful subversion.