MUNSON5 Knute Munson (1900-1967)

The drawing presents a stylized female figure in a pose suggestive of playful allure. She is depicted reclining, her legs crossed at the ankle and one arm casually supporting her head. The womans expression is overtly cheerful, with a wide smile revealing teeth, contributing to an overall sense of lightheartedness and flirtation. Her attire consists of what appears to be a military-style jacket over a low-cut garment, blending elements of femininity and wartime iconography.
The composition incorporates several sketched figures in the background, seemingly preliminary studies or variations on the central theme. These secondary images depict similar female forms in different poses – one holding an object, another standing with hands on hips, and yet another engaged in what appears to be a dance-like movement. The inclusion of these sketches creates a sense of dynamism and reveals aspects of the creative process.
A handwritten inscription, Hey – How far is up? floats above the central figure, adding a layer of playful ambiguity. It can be interpreted as a challenge or an invitation, reinforcing the suggestive nature of the image. A small sketch of a tin labeled “No Run Sulphur Once Over Lightly” appears at the lower right corner, which seems to function as a visual pun and adds another level of complexity to the work’s meaning.
The drawings aesthetic is characterized by loose lines, delicate shading, and a limited color palette dominated by muted tones. The artist employed a technique that blends realism with caricature, resulting in an image that is both visually appealing and subtly provocative. It seems likely that this piece was intended to evoke feelings of optimism and escapism during a period marked by conflict, using the idealized female form as a symbol of hope and resilience.