One for the Money by Gil Elvgren

The intimate ritual of beauty and makeup is a recurring narrative motif that cleverly highlights feminine coquetry within the rich American glamour iconography. Through his splendid painting “One for the Money”, the famous painter Gil Elvgren captures a moment of quiet preparation strongly imbued with pure elegance and unapologetic seduction. This sublime and highly theatrical composition pays a vibrant tribute to the natural confidence of classic glamour icons.

A captivating woman with elegantly tied dark hair is comfortably seated on heavy light-wood planks, her legs sensually crossed. She is dressed in a sumptuous purple cocktail dress with multiple pleated ruffles, the cut of which reveals dark stockings held by enticing suspenders. With her right hand, she meticulously applies a brightly scarlet lipstick, while holding a wide-open gold compact in her other hand. Beneath her, a large draped fabric in the colors of the French flag adds a very strong patriotic or festive touch to the overall scene. To her right is a thick yellowish cardboard box adorned with several red kiss marks, adding a romantic note to the whole.

The incredible richness of the beautiful texture of the sumptuous dress’s wide ruffles demonstrates a formidable and extraordinary technical virtuosity. Gil Elvgren uses his oil paint palette with extreme meticulousness to make the luxurious purple satin shimmer delicately and to highlight the perfection of the features.