A Put-Up Job 1955

Gil Elvgren painted 'A Put-Up Job,' a work made with commercial painting techniques, most likely in the mid-twentieth century. The artist used oil paint with incredible skill to create a glossy, idealized vision of femininity. In his work, a model perches on a stepladder, holding mistletoe above her head with one hand and steadying herself with the other. Elvgren's mastery of blending and rendering transforms paint into the illusion of soft skin, silky fabric, and delicate lace. 'Pin-up' art was made for mass reproduction, as calendar art, magazine illustration, and advertising. It was therefore inextricably tied to consumer culture. Elvgren's expert craftsmanship elevated the genre, blurring the line between commercial art and fine art, though the labor behind the production process is often overlooked. This painting showcases the technical skill and artistry involved in creating seemingly effortless images for mass consumption.