Cos 007 Gil Elvgren Its up to You Gil Elvgren (1914-1980)

The artwork presents a woman in a playful and suggestive pose, set against a neutral beige backdrop. She is clad in a stylized outfit: a white top with blue accents, paired with a vibrant red skirt that swirls around her legs, revealing black stockings and high-heeled shoes. Her posture is dynamic; she leans forward, one leg extended, creating an impression of movement and flirtation. A broad smile adorns her face, contributing to the overall sense of lightheartedness.
In her right hand, she holds a sign bearing the word VOTE! in bold lettering. In her left, she wields a hammer poised above a cartoonish depiction of an elephant – a clear visual reference to one of the major American political parties. A small dog, rendered with exaggerated features and a mischievous grin, stands beside the elephant, seemingly participating in the scenes playful disruption.
The artist’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the rendering of textures: the sheen of her stockings, the crispness of the sign, and the plush fur of the animal figures. The lighting emphasizes the woman’s form, highlighting her curves and contributing to the image’s appeal.
Subtextually, the work appears to engage with themes of political participation through a lens of feminine allure and humor. The juxtaposition of the VOTE! sign with the womans provocative pose suggests a playful commentary on civic duty and potentially, the persuasive power of charm or visual appeal in influencing voter behavior. The presence of the elephant and the dog introduces an element of satire, perhaps implying a lighthearted critique of political institutions or partisan divisions. The overall effect is one of calculated ambiguity; while encouraging participation, the image simultaneously questions the seriousness with which politics are often approached.