kom 4701 Knute Munson (1900-1967)

Here we observe a composition that blends elements of artistic process with commercial messaging. The central figure is a woman posed in a suggestive manner, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a confident and slightly provocative expression. She wears a mustard-colored garment that partially obscures her torso, drawing attention to her shoulders and upper arms. Her hair is styled in an elaborate wave pattern, typical of mid-20th century fashion.
The artist has incorporated a visual representation of the artistic process itself into the image. Around the woman are sketched lines and notations, suggesting she is being studied or rendered by an unseen artist. These sketches appear unfinished, creating a sense of immediacy and revealing the underlying structure of the composition. The presence of these preliminary drawings serves to demystify the creation of imagery, presenting it as a methodical process of observation and reproduction.
To the right of the central figure, a detailed diagram outlines the measurements for an Ideal American Model. This list includes specific figures such as height, weight, bust size, waist circumference, hip width, thigh measurement, and calf diameter. The inclusion of these precise specifications underscores the objectification inherent in the depiction of female beauty within this cultural context. The phrase “Total Wow!” positioned near the diagram reinforces the emphasis on achieving a standardized ideal.
At the bottom of the image, a handwritten note reads: The impression that a model makes must measure up – for what it takes. This statement functions as both a commentary on the expectations placed upon models and an implicit endorsement of the commercialized beauty standards being presented.
The overall effect is one of calculated artifice. The combination of the posed woman, the sketched lines, and the detailed measurements creates a layered narrative that explores themes of artistic creation, female representation, and the commodification of beauty within a specific historical period. The calendar format further contextualizes the image as a product intended for widespread consumption, reinforcing its role in disseminating cultural ideals.