Miss Sylvania study 

Gil Elvgren sketched "Miss Sylvania study" during his prolific career as a commercial pin-up artist. During the mid-20th century, Elvgren created idealized images of women that were widely disseminated through calendars and advertisements. This drawing offers us a glimpse into the construction of feminine beauty and its relationship to commercial culture. The figure of "Miss Sylvania," likely a promotional figure for the Sylvania Electric Products company, embodies both innocence and allure. The bouquet of roses and the beauty pageant sash enhance her attractiveness but also speak to the way women’s value was often tied to their physical appearance. Elvgren’s work reflects a specific moment in American history, when the image of women was carefully crafted for the male gaze. While we can appreciate the artist's skill, it’s also important to consider the social implications of these images and how they perpetuate gender stereotypes.