#41450 Coles Phillips

The artwork presents a promotional advertisement for Holeproof Hosiery. Here we see a woman in a suggestive pose, her body angled towards the viewer with emphasis on her legs and feet clad in stockings. Her posture suggests movement, as if she is playfully stepping over an unseen obstacle. The figures hair is styled in a fashionable bob of the era, and she wears what appears to be a negligee or dressing gown, further contributing to the air of intimacy and allure.
The background features stylized floral motifs – primarily red roses and blue foliage – arranged in a decorative border that frames the central image. This design element adds a touch of elegance while also serving to compartmentalize the visual from the textual components below. The color palette is dominated by reds, creams, and blacks, creating a visually striking contrast.
Beneath the illustration lies a block of text extolling the virtues of Holeproof Hosiery. The language employed is characteristic of mid-20th century advertising – focused on quality, durability, and feminine appeal. Phrases like sensible combination, long wear, and beautiful appearance are intended to persuade consumers of the products value.
The subtexts within this advertisement are layered. On one level, it leverages prevailing cultural ideals of femininity and beauty to market a consumer product. The woman’s pose is designed to be captivating, associating the stockings with desirability and sophistication. Simultaneously, the ad subtly reinforces societal expectations regarding womens appearance and their role as consumers.
The juxtaposition of the idealized female figure and the straightforward promotional text creates an interesting tension. While the image aims for a sense of playful seduction, the accompanying copy maintains a formal and business-like tone, highlighting the commercial purpose behind the visual display. The overall effect is to present Holeproof Hosiery not merely as a functional item but as a key element in achieving a desired feminine ideal.