C-GE 054 Gil Elvgren (1914-1980)

The artwork presents a scene imbued with playful ambiguity and suggestive charm. A woman, positioned in profile, is caught mid-motion as a gust of wind lifts her red dress. The fabric clings to her form before billowing outwards, revealing glimpses of hosiery beneath. Her posture suggests both surprise and a degree of self-awareness regarding the effect of the breeze.
The setting appears rural; a grassy field stretches into a hazy background punctuated by trees. A barbed wire fence runs diagonally across the composition, serving as a barrier between the viewer and the subject while simultaneously providing a visual anchor. The placement of the woman against this backdrop creates an interesting juxtaposition – a symbol of femininity and perhaps urbanity set within a landscape associated with labor and rural life.
A wicker basket sits at the base of the fence, containing what appear to be wrapped items, possibly food or picnic supplies. This detail contributes to the narrative of a casual outing interrupted by an unexpected event. The inscription On De-Fence is written in cursive script near the bottom left corner, adding another layer of complexity and potentially functioning as a pun related to both the fence itself and a playful double entendre.
The lighting is dramatic, with strong highlights emphasizing the woman’s form and creating shadows that enhance the sense of movement. The color palette is dominated by the vibrant red of her dress contrasted against the greens of the landscape and the darker tones of the fence. This contrast draws immediate attention to the central figure.
Subtly, the work engages with themes of femininity, rurality, and perhaps a lighthearted commentary on societal expectations or perceptions. The artist’s choice of subject matter and composition suggests an intention to evoke amusement and intrigue while maintaining a degree of visual sophistication.