GCGEPU-181 1940 What Hoe Gil Elvgren (1914-1980)

The artwork presents a female figure engaged in what appears to be a golfing activity, set against a vibrant yellow background. The woman is positioned mid-swing, her body contorted in a dynamic pose that emphasizes her physique. She wears a nautical-themed outfit: a blue sailors hat perched atop her head, and a matching two-piece bathing suit with short shorts. Her posture suggests both athleticism and deliberate sensuality; the upward tilt of her gaze and the slight parting of her lips convey an air of playful confidence.
The artist has employed a limited palette dominated by yellow, blue, and skin tones, creating a visually striking contrast. The backgrounds solid color serves to isolate the figure, drawing attention to her form and action. A cluster of stylized irises grows at the base of the scene, their pink and purple hues providing a touch of naturalism amidst the otherwise artificial setting.
The text WHAT HOE! appears in playful lettering at the bottom of the composition. This phrase, likely intended as a pun or humorous commentary on golf terminology (hoe referring to a tool used for tending greens), contributes to the overall lighthearted and suggestive tone. The images subtexts revolve around themes of leisure, femininity, and perhaps a subtle critique of societal expectations regarding women’s roles during the period in which it was created. It seems designed to appeal to a male audience through its depiction of an idealized female form engaged in a traditionally masculine activity, albeit with a playful and flirtatious twist. The overall effect is one of manufactured charm and carefully constructed allure.