MUNSON11 Knute Munson (1900-1967)

The drawing presents a woman in a dynamic pose, seemingly poised at the starting line of a race. She is clad in athletic attire – a red cap, a green top, and scarlet shorts – and wears what appear to be running shoes with prominent stripes. Her posture suggests anticipation and readiness; her gaze directed forward, her body angled as if about to spring into motion. A number 23 is visible on the lower portion of her leg, further reinforcing the racing context.
The artist has employed a loose, sketch-like style, utilizing colored pencils or crayons with evident strokes and shading. This technique lends an informal, almost playful quality to the work. The background is populated by lightly rendered figures, seemingly spectators observing the event. These are executed in a more gestural manner, contributing to a sense of movement and activity within the scene.
A handwritten question, Have you checked my racing form? appears near the lower left corner. This text introduces an element of playful self-awareness and directly engages the viewer. It suggests that the woman is not merely participating in the race but also presenting herself as a subject for scrutiny or assessment – a commodity to be evaluated based on her performance record.
The composition, with its emphasis on the female figure’s form and posture, hints at an underlying subtext concerning femininity and athleticism. The drawing seems to playfully challenge conventional representations of women, placing her in a traditionally masculine domain while simultaneously highlighting her physical attributes. The combination of athletic prowess and overt sensuality creates a complex interplay of roles and expectations.
The overall effect is one of lightheartedness tempered by an underlying commentary on the objectification of individuals within the context of competition and entertainment.