The Ace of Hearts 

Gil Elvgren painted "The Ace of Hearts," a playful scene, with oil, achieving a smooth, almost photographic finish. The bright red of the woman's skirt is a focal point, contrasting with the subdued greys and whites of the couch. The composition guides your eye from the cards in her hand, down her legs, and back up to her mischievous smile, creating a cyclical movement. Elvgren masterfully employs color and form to shape a narrative of playful seduction. The mirror behind the subject not only extends the pictorial space but also offers a secondary, almost voyeuristic, view of the woman. This doubling introduces a structural complexity, emphasizing the constructed nature of the image. Ultimately, the smooth lines and vibrant colors of the painting invite you to question the signs of idealized femininity. The Ace of Hearts serves as an icon of American pin-up art, and shows that beauty and allure are, like the suits in a deck of cards, carefully arranged symbols.