PYG GE 059 Lucky Dog Dog Gone Robber 1958 Gil Elvgren (1914-1980)

The composition presents a woman in a state of apparent disarray, reclining on what appears to be a plush surface. Her posture is dynamic; one leg is raised, showcasing a stockinged foot adorned with a vibrant red shoe, while the other is bent at the knee. The artist has rendered her skin tone as pale and luminous, contrasting sharply with the dark hair styled in an elaborate wave. She wears a striped pajama set, revealing glimpses of undergarments beneath.
Scattered around her are various objects – cosmetics, jewelry, a wallet, and what seems to be a small safe or strongbox lying open. The arrangement suggests a recent disturbance, implying that something has been taken. A small dog, dark in color, is held aloft by the woman, its gaze directed towards the viewer with an expression of alert curiosity. A leash extends from the animal’s collar.
The overall effect is one of playful chaos and calculated artifice. The scene evokes a sense of domesticity disrupted, but the exaggerated pose and stylized rendering prevent it from feeling entirely realistic. Theres a deliberate ambiguity regarding the nature of the event; has she been robbed, or is this a staged scenario?
Subtextually, the work seems to engage with themes of wealth, security, and feminine allure. The scattered valuables suggest vulnerability despite apparent affluence. The woman’s pose, while suggestive, also conveys a sense of control and amusement, as if shes both victim and performer. The dog, positioned as an accomplice or observer, adds another layer of complexity – is it a loyal guardian or merely a participant in the spectacle?
The color palette – dominated by reds, blacks, whites, and flesh tones – contributes to the image’s vibrancy and its inherent theatricality. The lighting emphasizes the womans form while casting shadows that deepen the sense of mystery surrounding the incident.