pcal ge pad 042501 Gil Elvgren (1914-1980)

The composition presents a portrait of a woman rendered in oil on board. She is depicted from the chest upwards, her gaze directed towards the viewer with an expression that blends amusement and perhaps a touch of playful irony. Her hair, styled in a fashionable wave, frames her face, while a decorative scarf or shawl drapes over her shoulders, adding to the overall sense of refinement and elegance. The artist employed a realistic technique, capturing details such as the texture of her skin and the sheen on her lipstick with considerable skill.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – reds, pinks, and creams – which contribute to a feeling of vibrancy and optimism. Light falls predominantly from the left, illuminating one side of her face and creating subtle shadows that define her features. The signature Elegan appears in cursive script at the lower left corner, suggesting an association with a brand or product.
To the right of the portrait, a calendar layout is visible. It identifies the date as April 25th, marking it as Week 17 and Wednesday. The inclusion of multiple language labels – Italian (Liberazione, Dia da Liberdade), French (Avril), and German (Mittwoch, Mercredi) – suggests a broad international audience or intended distribution. A stylized emblem is positioned above the calendar section, further reinforcing the impression of branding or corporate identity.
Beyond the surface representation, several subtexts emerge. The woman’s confident gaze and slightly mischievous smile might be interpreted as an embodiment of sophistication and consumerism prevalent in mid-century advertising. Her attire and hairstyle suggest a specific era, likely the 1950s or early 1960s, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a time often associated with prosperity and idealized domesticity. The calendar’s presence transforms the portrait from a standalone image into an advertisement, subtly linking the womans allure to a particular date and potentially promoting a product or service tied to that timeframe. The multilingual aspect hints at a global reach, reflecting the expanding international markets of the period.