mk006 Knute Munson (1900-1967)

The drawing presents a woman in a stylized, theatrical setting. She is positioned centrally, her body angled towards the viewer with a confident and engaging expression. Her attire combines elements suggestive of both patriotism and performance; she wears a costume adorned with stars, reminiscent of an American flag motif, while also displaying a lingerie-like undergarment. The pose itself is dynamic – one arm raised as if holding or adjusting a large fabric panel depicting the same flag pattern.
Behind her, sketched in a lighter tone, are figures that appear to be dancers or performers engaged in various poses of movement and repose. These secondary figures contribute to an atmosphere of stagecraft and entertainment. The background further establishes this context with a faint outline of a cityscape, likely representing a major urban center, possibly New York City, adding depth and suggesting a location for the performance.
At the lower left corner, a top hat and boots are placed, reinforcing the theme of show business and perhaps alluding to a vaudeville or theatrical tradition. The artist’s signature is visible in the upper right corner.
The subtexts within this drawing seem to revolve around themes of American identity, femininity, and entertainment. The juxtaposition of patriotic imagery with a sensualized female figure suggests an exploration of how national pride can be intertwined with notions of beauty and performance. Theres a playful ambiguity present; the woman’s expression is both inviting and slightly mischievous, hinting at a self-awareness regarding her role as an object of display. The overall effect conveys a sense of optimism and glamour characteristic of mid-20th century American culture.