drib 074 Peter Driben

The composition presents a woman in a moment of apparent disarray against a vibrant orange backdrop. She is positioned at a diagonal, her body angled away from the viewer while she turns her head back over her shoulder, creating a dynamic and somewhat playful visual effect. The artist depicted her wearing a dark blue dress that clings to her form, emphasizing curves. Her legs are clad in patterned stockings, drawing attention to their texture and detail. A small suitcase lies on its side near her feet, suggesting travel or departure.
The woman’s hair is styled with an elaborate wave and adorned with flowers, contributing to a sense of glamour and perhaps a touch of theatricality. The expression on her face suggests a mixture of amusement and slight exasperation, as if shes caught in an unexpected situation. A title block at the bottom reads A Gal and a Girdle / Lovin’ Round the World, which provides context for interpreting the scene.
The overall effect is one of lightheartedness and escapism, characteristic of mid-century popular culture. The suitcase and the tagline suggest themes of adventure and global exploration, while the womans pose and attire evoke a sense of feminine allure and idealized beauty. There’s an underlying commentary on domesticity and female roles; the girdle in the title hints at societal expectations regarding appearance and constraint, playfully juxtaposed with the promise of freedom implied by “Lovin’ Round the World.” The bright color palette and stylized rendering contribute to a sense of optimism and entertainment.