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

This color lithograph, "Ostende," was printed by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. as part of a series called "Fancy Bathers". These cards were collected and traded in the late 19th century, included in packages of cigarettes to promote brand loyalty. This particular card represents an interesting moment in the history of leisure and the commodification of the female image. Ostende was, and is, a beach resort town in Belgium, a place associated with upper-class leisure and recreation. Note how the woman's fashionable bathing costume is rendered in bright colors and lively detail, contrasting with the monochrome backdrop. These "Fancy Bathers" cards reflect a growing interest in sports, leisure, and personal freedom, yet also hint at the objectification of women within a rapidly changing society. To understand this image fully, consider the history of advertising, the rise of consumer culture, and the evolving role of women in the public sphere.