kom 4712 Knute Munson (1900-1967)

The drawing presents a figure in a dynamic pose, seemingly caught mid-motion. She is depicted with exaggerated proportions – elongated legs and a slender torso – characteristic of pin-up style imagery. The woman wears a light blue dress with pink trim at the collar and hemline, and her hair is styled in voluminous curls secured with a ribbon. Her expression conveys surprise or playful excitement, accentuated by an open mouth and wide eyes. A small, fluffy white animal, likely a kitten, appears to be playfully interacting with her legs, adding a touch of domesticity to the scene.
The composition is divided into two distinct areas: a fully rendered figure on the right and a more loosely sketched version on the left. The sketch shows the same woman in a similar pose but lacks the polished finish of the final image. This juxtaposition highlights the process of artistic creation, suggesting an exploration of form and movement before settling on the definitive representation.
Beneath the figures, a handwritten inscription reads: Artists arent always what they seem / But... even models like to dream. This text introduces a layer of subtext that moves beyond mere visual appeal. It hints at the constructed nature of beauty and the often-unseen labor behind idealized images. The phrase “artists aren’t always what they seem” suggests an element of deception or hidden complexity within the creative process, while even models like to dream implies a desire for something more than their perceived role.
The presence of the calendar at the bottom, dated December 1947, provides temporal context and reinforces the images function as a mass-produced decorative item. The overall effect is one of playful charm combined with a subtle commentary on artistic representation and societal expectations surrounding femininity.