St. Clement, Channel Islands, from the Surf Beauties series (N232), issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This small chromolithograph, "St. Clement, Channel Islands, from the Surf Beauties series," was issued by Kinney Bros. Tobacco Company. During the late 19th century, tobacco companies often included collectible cards like this one in their products, using images of women to appeal to consumers. Here, the woman is depicted in a bathing costume, climbing the ladder of a bathing machine at St. Clement beach. What does it mean to see women commodified in this way? This image reflects the complex relationship between commerce, gender, and leisure. The woman's body is presented for consumption, yet she is situated in the context of recreation and escape. The card speaks to the growing accessibility of leisure activities for women, while simultaneously reinforcing societal expectations around female beauty and behavior. What does it feel like to see someone's image used for commercial gain?