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

This 1889 trade card from the *Surf Beauties* series, printed by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, depicts a woman named Val Andre in a striped swimsuit. The card features a simple composition, showing Val Andre seated on a wooden platform by the sea, likely adjusting her footwear. The card is a prime example of the popular genre of trade cards used in the late 19th century by companies to advertise their products. It is currently on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This type of image was commonly found on cards, and it is a fascinating glimpse into the fashion and leisure activities of the era. The card is also an example of the use of chromolithography, a printing technique that allowed for the reproduction of colors in a more vibrant way. It is a small-scale work, measuring just 7 x 3.8 cm, and the artist is unknown. *Surf Beauties* trade cards are highly sought-after by collectors.