Original pin up illustration for the Shaw-Barton Calendar Compan c. 1950s

This is an original pin-up illustration by Haddon Hubbard Sundblom, likely made for the Shaw-Barton Calendar Company. Sundblom's work often reflected an idealized vision of American life, deeply influenced by the social norms of the time. Consider the role of women in the mid-20th century. This image presents a carefully constructed fantasy, where the woman’s sexuality is both on display and carefully managed. The revealing dress, the slipped stocking, and the coy smile are all carefully arranged to titillate, yet within the bounds of what was considered acceptable. How does the presence of the dog alter your perception? It is not a wild animal, but a domesticated one. The natural world is tamed. These images were pervasive in the American visual landscape, shaping desires and expectations of femininity. Sundblom’s illustration embodies the tension between the repression and expression of female sexuality. The painting is a window into a specific historical moment.