#41480 Coles Phillips

The drawing presents a stylized depiction of a woman in what appears to be a loosely draped garment, likely intended as a fashionable shawl or robe. The figure is positioned at a three-quarter angle, emphasizing her legs and feet. Her posture suggests a casual elegance; she leans slightly forward, with one hand delicately raised to her head, creating an air of nonchalant sophistication.
The artist employed a limited tonal range, primarily relying on black ink against a white background, which lends the image a graphic quality reminiscent of Art Deco aesthetics. Fine lines delineate the folds and contours of the garment, suggesting texture and volume despite the monochromatic palette. The woman’s face is rendered with simplified features – large eyes, a small mouth, and an elaborate hat adorned with feathers – characteristic of the periods idealized beauty standards.
The composition is framed by a decorative border featuring geometric patterns, which further reinforces the Art Deco influence. Below the image, promotional text advertises Holeproof Hosiery, highlighting its durability and fashionable appeal. The text explicitly connects the garment’s allure with the quality of the stockings, suggesting that the womans elegance is intrinsically linked to the product being advertised.
Subtly, the drawing conveys a sense of modernity and liberation associated with the era. The short skirt implied by the garment’s length, combined with the emphasis on exposed legs, hints at changing social norms regarding women’s attire and freedom of movement. The overall effect is one of refined luxury and understated sensuality, carefully packaged within a commercial context.