The artwork titled “Girl with Ice Cream Cone” was crafted by artist Wayne Thiebaud in 1963. This oil painting, which exemplifies the Pop Art movement, measures 122.2 cm in height and 92.1 cm in width. Regarded as a genre painting, it is currently housed at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington.
The artwork captures a young woman seated directly on the ground. She holds an ice cream cone in her right hand, with the ice cream scoops seemingly melting. Her gaze meets the viewer’s, creating an intimate and candid moment that is emphasized by the close framing. The subject is donning a sleeveless striped dress that offers vibrant pops of color against a muted background, providing a stark contrast. Her body language is relaxed, and the painting is characterized by Thiebaud’s signature style, which includes thickly applied paint that imparts texture akin to the creamy quality of the ice cream she is enjoying. The contrast of the figure against the light background, as well as the play of shadows and highlights, demonstrate Thiebaud’s exploration of light and color.
