All the Pin-up artists !!

Gil Elvgren (1914-1980)

March 1952 calendar Elvgren

Gil Elvgren was born in 1914, and after his artistic studies at Minneapolis Art Institute he rejoined Stevens and Gross' advertisements agency in Chicago. His ads for Coca Cola made his name. He started as a calendar illustrator in 1937 for publisher Louis F. Dow, the quality of his work made an impression on the publisher Brown & Bigelow who signed with him an extravagant contract for that time ! His abounding production lasted until the 70's, even if the photo of pin ups replaced the painting long time ago.
Gil Elvgren with Varga and Petty are the most known illustrators of pin ups. We can even say that the unconscious public image of a pin up was created by Elvgren : angel face, imposing bust but slim waisted, rustle dresses, stiletto heels, miscellaneous accessories (jewellery, sunshade, dog, hat…).
The themes are always the same : a very young alone girl, surprised in light clothes, but not too bothered for all that…
If Elvgren's technique (oil on canvas) is impressive, it doesn't mean that Elvgren is equal to Varga or Petty…
This sentiment is reinforced by abundance of his paintings (republished on all imaginable supports !) and also by the invigorating side of themes offered by Elvgren. Despite everything one should not deny his pleasure, his pins ups are really beautiful!
For the collectors we find his works especially on the simple page of tear-off calendars and on the mutoscope carts. The big calendars 12 pages are very rare, most of time they are sold page by page…

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1946

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