Grève d' Azette, from the Beautiful Bathers series (N192) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This chromolithograph, from the series ‘Beautiful Bathers,’ was issued by the American tobacco company Wm. S. Kimball & Co. These cards were included in cigarette packs as collectibles, popularizing images of leisure and beauty in the late 19th century. The depiction of a woman in a bathing suit sitting on a rock might seem innocuous today, but it reflects changing social norms of the time. In an era defined by Victorian ideals of modesty, the representation of women in revealing swimwear was a progressive statement. The image created meaning through visual codes, subtly challenging contemporary social structures. Understanding this artwork requires historical research into the rise of consumer culture, the changing roles of women, and the marketing strategies employed by companies like Wm. S. Kimball & Co. Examining the social and institutional context enriches our understanding of such images.