swa pd03 Peter Driben

The artwork presents a female figure in a stylized, illustrative manner. She is positioned in a seated posture, her legs crossed at the ankles, drawing attention to the patterned hosiery. The stockings are rendered in a sheer material and feature a playful depiction of tic-tac-toe – X marks on one leg, and “O” on the other. This detail introduces an element of lightheartedness and visual intrigue.
The woman is clad in a vibrant orange dress adorned with white polka dots, which contributes to the overall cheerful aesthetic. A delicate necklace accentuates her neck, while her hair is styled in voluminous curls that frame her face. She holds a lit cigarette between her fingers, a detail indicative of the era’s cultural norms and potentially suggesting an air of sophistication or rebellion.
The figures expression conveys a sense of playful confidence; she gazes directly at the viewer with a slight smile. The background is a uniform pale blue, which serves to isolate the subject and emphasize her form and attire. The composition adheres to principles of idealized beauty, characteristic of illustrative works intended for popular consumption.
Subtly, the image engages with themes of femininity, allure, and leisure. The playful tic-tac-toe pattern on the stockings could be interpreted as a symbolic representation of gamesmanship or a challenge directed towards the viewer. The cigarette introduces an element of complexity, potentially alluding to societal expectations surrounding women during the period in which this work was likely created. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of charm and lightheartedness while simultaneously hinting at underlying cultural nuances.