PYG GE 046 Aiming High Will William Tell 1959 Gil Elvgren (1914-1980)

The composition presents a female figure engaged in archery within a stylized outdoor setting. She is positioned centrally, her body angled diagonally across the frame, suggesting movement and dynamism. The artist has rendered her in a manner that emphasizes both athleticism and allure; she wears a white blouse tied at the waist, revealing a glimpse of undergarments beneath, while simultaneously exhibiting a poised stance indicative of skill with a bow and arrow.
The background is dominated by a muted green hue, creating a sense of depth and isolating the figure as the primary focus. Scattered around her are stylized representations of autumnal foliage – red leaves drift downwards, adding to the feeling of motion and hinting at a seasonal context. The lighting is carefully managed, highlighting the contours of her body and emphasizing the sheen on her skin and hair.
The subtexts within this work appear to revolve around themes of feminine strength and capability, presented through an unconventional lens. While the figure’s attire and pose evoke elements of traditional pin-up imagery, her active participation in a traditionally masculine pursuit – archery – challenges conventional gender roles. The act of aiming itself suggests precision, focus, and control, qualities often associated with male prowess but here embodied by the female subject.
The deliberate juxtaposition of vulnerability (exposed skin) and power (the bow and arrow) creates a complex interplay of meanings. It is possible to interpret this as a commentary on societal expectations surrounding women in the mid-20th century, where notions of femininity were often constrained by prescribed behaviors and appearances. The image seems to suggest an embrace of both these aspects – beauty and competence – within a single individual.
The overall effect is one of playful defiance and confident self-possession, conveyed through a carefully constructed visual narrative that blends elements of glamour, athleticism, and subtle social commentary.