PYG GE 008 Riding High 1958 Gil Elvgren (1914-1980)

Here we observe a composition centered around a female figure engaged in what appears to be aerial travel atop a broomstick. The woman is positioned diagonally across the frame, suggesting movement and dynamism. She wears a dark, somewhat revealing costume – a black dress with lace detailing at the bodice and thigh-high stockings – and an orange conical hat, immediately evoking associations with Halloween or folklore surrounding witches. Her posture is confident; she leans forward, her gaze directed outward, conveying a sense of control and perhaps even exhilaration.
The background is dominated by a large, luminous orb set against a deep blue sky. This celestial body functions as both a visual anchor and a symbolic element, likely representing the moon – a traditional symbol linked to witchcraft, femininity, and the subconscious. The contrast between the warm yellow-orange of the lunar surface and the cool blue of the night sky creates a striking visual tension that enhances the overall mood.
The artist’s use of light is significant. A strong light source illuminates the woman from the front, highlighting her form and emphasizing the curves of her body. This contributes to an aesthetic rooted in idealized beauty and sensuality. The rendering style suggests a deliberate artificiality; the skin tones are smooth and flawless, and the details are rendered with precision, characteristic of commercial illustration.
Subtextually, the work plays on established cultural tropes. The image blends elements of fantasy – the flying broomstick – with those of contemporary fashion and idealized female beauty. It seems to offer a playful reimagining of traditional witchcraft narratives, presenting a figure who is both powerful and alluring. Theres an underlying sense of transgression; the woman defies conventional expectations through her attire and activity, suggesting a liberation from societal norms. The overall effect is one of controlled fantasy – a carefully constructed scenario designed to be visually arresting and subtly provocative.