Taking Off 1955

"Taking Off" is a pin-up painting by American artist Gil Elvgren, created in 1955. The painting depicts a woman in a white dress, sitting on a chair and inflating balloons. The woman is surrounded by a multitude of colorful balloons, creating a playful and whimsical atmosphere. Elvgren's use of light and shadow accentuates the woman's figure, highlighting her beauty and sensuality, a common theme in his pin-up art. The painting is a classic example of mid-20th century American pin-up culture, known for its idealized depictions of femininity and its light-hearted, often humorous subject matter.