St. Enogat, France, from the Surf Beauties series (N232), issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This small chromolithograph, created by Kinney Bros., showcases a bathing beauty in St. Enogat, France. The woman stands in the surf, holding what appears to be a mast, her red bathing suit cinched with a golden bow. The image evokes a complex interplay of themes; the sea, historically a symbol of both the source of life and untamed chaos. This duality is evident in ancient mythologies, where gods like Poseidon wield power over the oceans, reflecting humanity's eternal fascination and fear of the marine realm. The mast, also, is a recurring motif across cultures. In ancient Greece, it symbolized navigation and exploration, while in other contexts, it represents stability. Here, the juxtaposition of the woman with these potent symbols elicits a primal response. The image taps into our collective unconscious, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life and the enduring power of symbols to evoke emotional responses across generations. The image is less about the individual and more about the collective memory of mankind.