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

This is a chromolithograph, “Saint Malo,” from the Fancy Bathers series, printed by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. The composition invites the viewer into a study of contrasts through line and color: the vertical stripes of the bathing suit against the horizontal lines of the ledge; the cool blues and greens offset by the warm tones of the figure’s skin and hair. The figure, posed as if caught in a moment of contemplation, offers a study in controlled tension. The artist’s technique is subtle, yet strategic. The soft rendering of the background contrasts with the sharper detail of the figure, creating a focal point that draws the eye. This contrast serves not only an aesthetic purpose but also underscores the image’s thematic concerns with surface and depth, visibility and concealment. The work’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to invite ongoing interpretations, proving that the simplest forms can be rich in cultural and philosophical resonance.