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Gil Elvgren: All His Glamorous American Pin-Ups
Post-depression USA was in desperate need of a defining iconography that would lift it out of the black and white doldrums, and it came in the form of Gil Elvgren's technicolor fantasies of the American dream. From the Forties to the Sixties his painted adverts and posters for, among others, Coca-Cola and Pangburn's Chocolates, as well as the long-running Brown and Bigelow calendars, were a bright red white and blue account of the country's aspirations and hopes. As the country plunged into war Elvgren provided the troops with pin-up girls galore. His technique involved photographing models and then painting them into gorgeous hyper-reality, with longer legs, more flamboyant hair and gravity-defying busts, and in the process making them the perfect moral-boosting eye-candy for every homesick private. Elvgren defined the classic ""pop"" vision of Americana, a bold visualisation that has been endlessly appropriated and recycled in advertising, TV, film and art. His style is instantly recognisable. Dubbed ""The Norman Rockwell of cheesecake,"" Elvgren's images combine desire for a better life with nostalgia for the nation's innocent apple-pie past.
271 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 6, 2014
First of all I need to say thank you for my wonderful Other Half for getting me this gorgeous book, so 'Thank You Baby' :)
This is a typically beautiful art book from Taschen which charts the work and life of Gil Elvgren the pop artist and real life MadMen artist. His images were used to advertise everything that made up the mid 20th Century American world, everything from Cola, to war bonds to farming equipment could be found featuring one of his provocative little ladies. Usually these were painted from photographs with a model sometimes recreating the pose again and again in order to capture the correct feel, before essentially being photoshop-ed 1930's style. Everything was made perkier, and cheekier in the final image. What I hadn't noticed before is that often the same image was recreated just in a new outfit so that something very risque with sheer lingerie etc could be toned down and used to sell vacuum cleaners to 1950's housewives. I recognise that these images are probably deeply unPC and that in many ways the naughtier ones are essentially soft porn for the ad industry, but I still really really like the Pin Up image. Like a classic screen siren, they manage to be sexy as hell while usually revealing nothing more than a stretch of bare back, or a naked shoulder. The tops of stockings have never looked so good as they do in these images! I find the gentle titillation and Monroe-esque 'who me?' style of these pictures to be deeply charming and yet highly erotically charged. The fashions shown of the 1930's-1950's are brilliant also, and it is no wonder that the Rockabilly look is so very popular among such a large range of people.
Some of the later works from the 1960's and 70's start to get a bit of a 'Carry On' feel that removes some of the charm of the earlier images, but then both decades seem to have lost a lot of style of the past without gaining any of the equality of the modern world in my opinion anyway, so I was never going to find these later images quite as appealing.
The book contains a great biographical section discussing the life of Elvgren and his influences, which was fascinating to read.
If you like the all American Mid-West girl serving you apple pie with a cheeky pout, this is likely to appeal. Then again it will also appeal to students of advertising history, mid 20th Century popular art, Pin Ups, Burlesque and Vintage style. Pretty darn good! :)
This is a typically beautiful art book from Taschen which charts the work and life of Gil Elvgren the pop artist and real life MadMen artist. His images were used to advertise everything that made up the mid 20th Century American world, everything from Cola, to war bonds to farming equipment could be found featuring one of his provocative little ladies. Usually these were painted from photographs with a model sometimes recreating the pose again and again in order to capture the correct feel, before essentially being photoshop-ed 1930's style. Everything was made perkier, and cheekier in the final image. What I hadn't noticed before is that often the same image was recreated just in a new outfit so that something very risque with sheer lingerie etc could be toned down and used to sell vacuum cleaners to 1950's housewives. I recognise that these images are probably deeply unPC and that in many ways the naughtier ones are essentially soft porn for the ad industry, but I still really really like the Pin Up image. Like a classic screen siren, they manage to be sexy as hell while usually revealing nothing more than a stretch of bare back, or a naked shoulder. The tops of stockings have never looked so good as they do in these images! I find the gentle titillation and Monroe-esque 'who me?' style of these pictures to be deeply charming and yet highly erotically charged. The fashions shown of the 1930's-1950's are brilliant also, and it is no wonder that the Rockabilly look is so very popular among such a large range of people.
Some of the later works from the 1960's and 70's start to get a bit of a 'Carry On' feel that removes some of the charm of the earlier images, but then both decades seem to have lost a lot of style of the past without gaining any of the equality of the modern world in my opinion anyway, so I was never going to find these later images quite as appealing.
The book contains a great biographical section discussing the life of Elvgren and his influences, which was fascinating to read.
If you like the all American Mid-West girl serving you apple pie with a cheeky pout, this is likely to appeal. Then again it will also appeal to students of advertising history, mid 20th Century popular art, Pin Ups, Burlesque and Vintage style. Pretty darn good! :)
September 13, 2008
This book is a great visual reference for any artist. I bought it when I had an "ink"ling to design a tatoo based on the nose art of my grandfather's WWII plane. He was a bomber. I didn't end up gettign the tat, but I still love the book. Great color pallette and whimsical designs.
October 26, 2009
I have this book on my coffee table, and everyone that comes over has to check it out! I am completely obsessed with Elvgren's pinups, they are gorgeous and timeless...I was clearly born in the wrong era!
July 6, 2008
Another birthday gift from my wife (my own private pin up). A great overview of a master artist. Not as widely known as Vargas, I think Elvgren's got more humor, style, and humanity in his work.
January 1, 2024
great book about the artist, worth reading as well as looking at.
in more than a dozen paintings Elvgren has put dogs, and these are wonderful! the authors don't note it, but Elvgren could have been a successful animal artist.
Varga(s) is noted only twice, pointing out the differences, Elvgren's women are the girl next door and have detailed backgrounds. Varga's are unapproachable and exist no where, just suspended in space. Would like to know if Frazetta was ever mentioned by Elvgen, he liked James Bama, maybe he had an opinion on the ERB fantasy artist's work.
only negative about the book is some artists he influenced have their work at the start of the book rather than the back. there is a Ramos painting only a few pages in and as much as i love Ramos, it shows he pales next to Elvgren.
in more than a dozen paintings Elvgren has put dogs, and these are wonderful! the authors don't note it, but Elvgren could have been a successful animal artist.
Varga(s) is noted only twice, pointing out the differences, Elvgren's women are the girl next door and have detailed backgrounds. Varga's are unapproachable and exist no where, just suspended in space. Would like to know if Frazetta was ever mentioned by Elvgen, he liked James Bama, maybe he had an opinion on the ERB fantasy artist's work.
only negative about the book is some artists he influenced have their work at the start of the book rather than the back. there is a Ramos painting only a few pages in and as much as i love Ramos, it shows he pales next to Elvgren.
January 28, 2024
Here you'll find the all American girls in all aspects and walks of life. From upskirts to picnic, 30s to 70s. You will know many of those advertisings and depictions but it's great to see them in one big volume. Absolutely enjoyed Gil Evgren's pin-ups. Highly recommended!
May 17, 2023
A gorgeous volume 💟🌸✨🌺
October 22, 2025
I admire women so much.
August 23, 2020
Interesting. Different!!!
August 13, 2016
My mama bought this for me last time we were at the Getty, knowing that I love vintage aesthetics and that I have a soft spot for the cheesiness of pin ups. I finally got around to reading this today and as I flipped through page after page of pretty girls, each with the same perpetually surprised look upon their faces, skirts twisted up high around their waists in increasingly improbable scenarios, I started to wonder a bit. Didn't ole' Gil EVER tire of painting the same thing every time? It's not a waste if you truly enjoy what you're doing, but looking closely at each figure, at the tumultuous play of light and shadow over limb, at that certain spontaneity of movement that gives life to a girl's character, everything so effortlessly captured on canvas, and I began to wonder what would have happened if he had ever been dedicated to painting anything else? What would he have done with his talent if he had been born much later? Painted during a different time?
And again, as I flipped through an ever increasing arsenal of poised nudes, each as bland and smiling as the next, I started to wonder about my own internalized male gaze. Before today I would have said "yes" to enjoying pin ups unapologetically, but faced with such a large number of them I have to confess I began to grow uneaasy. It reminded me of how many of these images were sold because a woman's identity, image, and worth *could* be bought and sold. Today pin up culture is, for the most part, reclaimed by women who are either fashion aficionados or take heart in the relaxed attitude the women take to their own nudity (and thank goodness for all that), but what of then? I began to picture a bunch of pre-Mad Men era boys and men, viewing these images, and my skin began to crawl. I am unreservedly uncomfortable with the attitudes of this time period towards dissecting women's figures and personhood, so why has it taken me this long to realize that the artifacts that this culture has left behind in the shape of Gil Elvgren are equally uncomfortable?
I don't expect answers to these questions. It just struck me as particularly odd, that sometimes you can look and look at something, but it's not until every last bit of it is before you, when you realize how extensive something is, that you can be so utterly DONE with it before you even flip the last page.
Overall this is a very nicely put together piece of work (Taschen always puts out nice pieces!), and if you really want or have a use for every. single. painting this man every put out, you could do a lot worse. But what on earth you'd do with every single one, I couldn't even guess at. The subject does get monotonous though, so much that it sent me into a sex-istential crises before I was half was done with it. A pleasant enough distraction for those so inclined. I just happened to discover today, that I am not.
And again, as I flipped through an ever increasing arsenal of poised nudes, each as bland and smiling as the next, I started to wonder about my own internalized male gaze. Before today I would have said "yes" to enjoying pin ups unapologetically, but faced with such a large number of them I have to confess I began to grow uneaasy. It reminded me of how many of these images were sold because a woman's identity, image, and worth *could* be bought and sold. Today pin up culture is, for the most part, reclaimed by women who are either fashion aficionados or take heart in the relaxed attitude the women take to their own nudity (and thank goodness for all that), but what of then? I began to picture a bunch of pre-Mad Men era boys and men, viewing these images, and my skin began to crawl. I am unreservedly uncomfortable with the attitudes of this time period towards dissecting women's figures and personhood, so why has it taken me this long to realize that the artifacts that this culture has left behind in the shape of Gil Elvgren are equally uncomfortable?
I don't expect answers to these questions. It just struck me as particularly odd, that sometimes you can look and look at something, but it's not until every last bit of it is before you, when you realize how extensive something is, that you can be so utterly DONE with it before you even flip the last page.
Overall this is a very nicely put together piece of work (Taschen always puts out nice pieces!), and if you really want or have a use for every. single. painting this man every put out, you could do a lot worse. But what on earth you'd do with every single one, I couldn't even guess at. The subject does get monotonous though, so much that it sent me into a sex-istential crises before I was half was done with it. A pleasant enough distraction for those so inclined. I just happened to discover today, that I am not.
December 19, 2016
A great collection of images for any fan of the pin-up and/or marketing images from the US in the middle of the 20th century. This book includes interesting essays (in English, German and French) putting Elvgren's work in context, not just in terms of his pin-ups in context with his whole out-put, but also his place in the advertising and pin-up genre of the time in general.
While it is inevitable, the appeal of the pictures actually wears off by the end of the book simply because there are just so many of them - the titillation of the stocking-top is lost when you see it for the twentieth time. But it is still amazing to think that Elvgren actually did most pictures as a photograph first (some of which are featured in this book) and could so artfully re-use the same poses for different pictures. An inspiration to artists, collectors and wannabe pin-ups alike.
While it is inevitable, the appeal of the pictures actually wears off by the end of the book simply because there are just so many of them - the titillation of the stocking-top is lost when you see it for the twentieth time. But it is still amazing to think that Elvgren actually did most pictures as a photograph first (some of which are featured in this book) and could so artfully re-use the same poses for different pictures. An inspiration to artists, collectors and wannabe pin-ups alike.
October 20, 2008
I found this book in the marked down area, and I just
had to have it. It is huge book with gorgeous pin-up
pictures from the infamous Gil Elvgren. Although
Alberto Vargas is probably the more well known of the two, Gil Elvgren was pretty much just as respected in his time.
There wasn't a whole lot of reading, it gave a nice history
on Gil though. It was mainly the beautiful pin-ups that made
this book. I swear, I wish I was part of this era. I still
say the sexuality was just so classy.
had to have it. It is huge book with gorgeous pin-up
pictures from the infamous Gil Elvgren. Although
Alberto Vargas is probably the more well known of the two, Gil Elvgren was pretty much just as respected in his time.
There wasn't a whole lot of reading, it gave a nice history
on Gil though. It was mainly the beautiful pin-ups that made
this book. I swear, I wish I was part of this era. I still
say the sexuality was just so classy.
January 7, 2012
Even though art books are specially designed to bring attention to the art itself, this hardcover includes a ton of information about Elvgren's life, his mentors, contemporaries and predecessors. It's the finest collection of Elvgren pinups. The images are organized so that you can see when he used the same source image for different paintings and in several cases the original photographs of his models are included showing a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into his process.
April 5, 2012
Beautiful book!
The paintings of the women are amazing and so beautifully done.
I love looking through this book, it never gets old.
I definately appriciate art like this, truly gorgeous.
It's not, however, a typical art book as although it is filled with beautiful pin ups on every page - it also has exerpts of writing about the artist himself.
Definately a must have.
The paintings of the women are amazing and so beautifully done.
I love looking through this book, it never gets old.
I definately appriciate art like this, truly gorgeous.
It's not, however, a typical art book as although it is filled with beautiful pin ups on every page - it also has exerpts of writing about the artist himself.
Definately a must have.
February 20, 2013
Beautiful collection of drawings of beautiful women, made by the master of it Gil Elvgren.
You know thoose classic pin-ups that you see everywhere, from tattoos to callendars? Well, probably 98% were made by Gil.
Also a great reference for illustrators like me to understand more the art of drawing beautiful ladies!
You know thoose classic pin-ups that you see everywhere, from tattoos to callendars? Well, probably 98% were made by Gil.
Also a great reference for illustrators like me to understand more the art of drawing beautiful ladies!
January 6, 2010
This a great pictoral reference guide of Gil Elvgrens pin up girl art through the ages. Brilliant as an artists reference, for rockabilly chicks who want some style inspiraton, or for people who just love looking at pin up girls and admiring there cheeky beauty!
April 30, 2016
For a pictorial review of this lovely Gil Elvgren book, please visit Her Literary Salon.
January 3, 2015
this book is meant for artists. it goes into great detail about influences and materials. as someone who was just reading it for pleasure, I wish there had been more nostalgic photos, especially with his work with coke.
April 27, 2008
My wife gave me this for valentines day. A good bio of Gil Elvgren, plus the pictures are nice.
January 9, 2011
Sweet, innocent and flirtatious! Elvgren was one of the best glamour artists that have ever lived. If you own a book of his art and one book of Alberto Vargas you don't really need any others.
April 11, 2013
Gil Elvgren is my absolute favorite pin-up artist. An amazing book. Beautiful in design and georgous colors.
November 2, 2013
I'm a little disappointed. I don't care for the layout at all, 4 ladies crammed on a page, and why are some of the images so blurry? Cheap, but I got what I paid for at $13, so whatever.
July 13, 2014
Beautiful book with some biographical information and a lot of gorgeous art work by pin-up master Gil Elvgren.
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December 7, 2008A fun adn fantastic collection of the works from the pin-up master.
Ryan
Ryan
July 27, 2009
Pin-Up girls are really cool!
Read
September 5, 2014Beautiful photos and what an amazing collection from this very talented artist.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews