Santa Barbara, California, from the Surf Beauties series (N232), issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

Santa Barbara, California, from the Surf Beauties series, was issued by Kinney Bros., a tobacco company, as a collectible card. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer insight into the cultural and societal values of the time. They reflect an era deeply entrenched in consumerism, where even tobacco products were packaged with alluring imagery to capture attention. The "Surf Beauties" series, while seemingly innocent, subtly promoted an idealized version of femininity. The woman depicted is white, with a body type that aligns with the beauty standards of the time, her gaze demure, her pose inviting yet restrained. Representations like these reinforced prevailing notions of gender roles and expectations. The seaside location evokes ideas of leisure and escape, but it is available only to certain segments of society, excluding many people of color. Looking at this card today invites reflection on how marketing and media shape our understanding of identity and desire. It serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between commerce, culture, and representation.