A Number to Remember* by Gil Elvgren

The culture of American illustration reaches a particularly glamorous dimension in the creation bearing the title “A Number to Remember”. Under the prestigious signature of Gil Elvgren, this iconic image of the pin-up movement stages a triumphant and uninhibited femininity. The painting reveals the intimacy of a worldly conversation with a highly studied touch of indiscretion. The overall aesthetic reflects society’s strong taste for elegance and light entertainment.

In the center of a hushed boudoir, an attractive blonde protagonist is knocked back on a voluminous passion-red sofa. Dressed in a translucent black corset adorned with ribbons and a vaporous chiffon petticoat, she looks towards the viewer with a dazzling smile. Her long legs adorned with dark veils stretch upwards, the tip of her foot catching the edge of a light hanging. While listening to her caller on the phone, she scans a nearby directory with her hand. The carefully directed lighting brings out the shine of her gold jewelry and her bright red lipstick. The heavy folds of the sofa contrast nicely with the lightness of the surrounding fabrics.

The excellence of Gil Elvgren’s work lies in his exceptional treatment of flesh tones with oil paint. The illusion of volume and anatomical accuracy prove an extraordinary academic rigor. This care given to the smallest luminous details testifies to a great respect for the artisanal tradition.