kom 4704 Knute Munson (1900-1967)

The artwork presents a striking juxtaposition of idealized femininity and artistic process. Here we observe a woman in vibrant red attire, posed with a confident, almost playful demeanor. The garment, seemingly a bathing suit or lingerie, is secured with a knotted sash, emphasizing the curves of her figure. Her hair is styled in a classic 1940s wave, and she wears heels that further elongate her legs. The color palette is dominated by red, offset by skin tones and darker shadows which contribute to a sense of depth and volume.
Superimposed over this central image are sketches – preliminary drawings seemingly related to the figure itself. These appear in varying degrees of completion, some showing only outlines while others include shading and detail. They are rendered in pencil or charcoal on what appears to be tracing paper, lending them an ephemeral quality. The placement of these sketches is not random; they seem to interact with the posed woman, suggesting a dialogue between model and artist.
A handwritten inscription overlays both images: Though fancy styles look well on me / I hope you like simplicity. This text adds another layer of complexity. It suggests a self-aware commentary on beauty standards and perhaps a rejection of excessive ornamentation in favor of an understated elegance. The phrase “I’m always getting mixed up in a triangle!” scrawled near the sketched figure hints at relational complexities, possibly alluding to romantic entanglements or interpersonal dynamics.
The date APRIL 1947 is printed along the bottom edge, anchoring the work within a specific historical context – post-war America, a period marked by shifting social norms and evolving representations of women. The combination of the glamorous pin-up style with the revealing glimpse into an artist’s creative process creates a compelling tension between performance and authenticity, manufactured image and artistic creation. It is likely intended as a calendar illustration, blending entertainment with a subtle commentary on beauty, art, and personal expression.