Saint Briac, from the Fancy Bathers series (N187) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

"Saint Briac, from the Fancy Bathers series" was created by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. as a lithograph trading card. These cards, ubiquitous at the time, offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural values and societal norms of the period. The series, titled "Fancy Bathers," presents idealized images of women in swimwear, reflecting both the growing popularity of seaside leisure and prevailing attitudes toward female representation. What do you notice about this woman's gaze and gesture? Her presentation is carefully constructed to align with contemporary standards of beauty and propriety. Yet, within this seemingly conventional image, we can detect hints of changing social roles for women, and a growing sense of their presence in public spaces. This card, while seemingly innocuous, prompts us to consider the complex interplay between leisure, identity, and representation in the late 19th century. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly trivial objects can reveal broader social and cultural dynamics.