Toast of The Town

Above: The Toast of the Town Full View

Titled at turns "Toast of the Town" and "A Frame Worth PIcturing," this 1954 oil on canvas is Gil Elvgren at his finest. This Brown & Bigelow commissioned artwork displays Elvgren's unsurpassed mastery of composition, color, humor, and the female form.

Above: The artist's signature

Elvgren's favorite model, Myrna Hansen, is shown cheekily posed in garters, stockings, and heels by an artist's easel. Condition is astounding as is the work.

Above: A Behind the Scenes view of model Myrna Hansen taken by Gil Elvgren

Above: Published Brown & Bigelow calendar of artwork included in sale

Above: Detail

Included with sale is a published mailing calendar featuring the image, and photographs of Hansen posing for the artist. Hansen began modeling for Elvgren at the tender age of 15 and posed for more than 50 of his works.

Above: Framed view in period gold painted wood frame with liner

Above: View of stretchers and old canvas

This provocative painting dates to 1954, when Hansen was the reigning Miss USA. Describing her tenure as Elvgren's muse, Hansen has said: "I just had to lift my skirt and say, 'ahh.'"

Above: Notations on back stretcher

Above: Another photo included in sale

A New auction record on the artist Gil Elvgren was set June 2007 at Heritage Galleries in Dallas Texas, lot #58064 sold for a hammer price of $118.000.00 plus 20% buyers premium for a total price of $141,600.00 for this 1955 Brown & Bigelow Calendar Company commissioned oil on canvas titled Sitting Pretty.

Above: "Sitting Pretty" auction high water mark for the artist $141.600.00 June 2007 Heritage Galleries