ma Elvgren Going Up 2 Gil Elvgren (1914-1980)

The composition presents a woman in a moment of apparent struggle and playful vulnerability. She is positioned against a vertical plane, likely an elevator shaft or similar architectural element, which serves as a stark backdrop emphasizing her figure. The artist has rendered her in a style characterized by smooth lines, idealized proportions, and a deliberate focus on sensuality.
She wears a straw hat tilted at a jaunty angle, partially obscuring her face while drawing attention to her exposed décolletage adorned with a pearl necklace. A cigarette is held between her fingers, contributing to an air of nonchalant confidence. The billowing fabric of her garment clings to her form, revealing glimpses of stockinged legs and hinting at the contours beneath. She carries two bags – one wrapped in blue paper and another in a vibrant orange hue – suggesting she is returning from shopping or a social engagement.
The pose itself is crucial; she appears to be attempting to pull herself up using the elevator shaft’s edge, her expression conveying a mixture of effort and amusement. This action introduces an element of precariousness and potential for mishap, which is softened by the overall lighthearted tone. The upward motion implies aspiration or progress, but its presented in a manner that undermines any serious ambition.
Subtly, the work engages with themes of femininity, desire, and social mobility within a mid-century context. The woman’s attire and pose are indicative of a particular idealization of female beauty – one that blends sophistication with playful sexuality. The bags suggest consumerism and leisure activities associated with an affluent lifestyle. The elevator shaft itself can be interpreted as a symbol of upward movement in society, but the womans precarious position hints at the challenges or artificiality inherent in achieving such status.
The artist’s signature is prominently displayed, underscoring the personal style and deliberate construction of this image. Overall, the painting presents a carefully orchestrated scene that blends humor, sensuality, and subtle social commentary through its depiction of a woman caught in a moment of playful struggle.