Cos 029 Gil Elvgren The Right Number Gil Elvgren (1914-1980)

Here we observe a woman in a reclining pose on what appears to be a plush surface, likely a chaise lounge or upholstered bench. The composition is dominated by her body, angled diagonally across the frame, which contributes to a sense of dynamism and casualness. She’s dressed partially in lingerie – a white blouse with ruffled detailing and a delicate brassiere visible beneath – and stockings held up by garters. Her legs are extended upwards, one foot adorned with a yellow shoe, creating an unconventional and playful posture.
The color palette is restrained; the background is a muted blue-green, which serves to highlight the woman’s skin tones and the yellows of her shoes and telephone. The lighting is soft and diffused, contributing to a sense of intimacy and glamour. A vintage rotary phone rests near her face, held loosely in one hand. Her gaze is directed towards it, suggesting an expectation or anticipation related to the incoming call.
The subtexts within this painting are layered. The pose itself conveys a deliberate display of femininity – a combination of vulnerability and allure. The partially revealed lingerie hints at intimacy while maintaining a degree of modesty, characteristic of the era in which the work was likely produced. The telephone introduces an element of narrative ambiguity; it suggests connection, communication, and perhaps even longing or suspense.
The overall effect is one of carefully constructed artifice – a staged moment designed to evoke desire and fantasy. There’s a sense of playful indulgence, as if the woman is caught in a private, luxurious moment, momentarily distracted from everyday concerns. The artists signature appears discreetly at the bottom right corner, reinforcing the works status as a crafted object intended for visual pleasure.