The magazine cost twenty-five cents; the vacation was priceless. A century ago. exercise, freedom, and mobility were new features in the lives of ordinary women. Tied down by cares at home and more frequently working for pay, the very idea of a vacation caused exuberance. Whether as swimmers in the ocean or dreamers on the sh
ore, the women in these fanciful images are enjoying themselves. New styles in clothing offered freedom of movement and there was the possibility of adventure on the horizon.
It may not be obvious today, but these images are subversive.
ore, the women in these fanciful images are enjoying themselves. New styles in clothing offered freedom of movement and there was the possibility of adventure on the horizon.It may not be obvious today, but these images are subversive.
Each one depicts a woman doing something for the fun of it. Even today, the majority of vacation advertising caters to the fantasies of men, hinting, with varying degrees of subtlety, at a seraglio-like atmosphere waiting at the chosen destination. Peace and quiet and the sound of the waves - that's a vacation.
Images: 1. Sheridan - cover for Scribner's Magazine, New York Public Library.
2. Franz Griessler - Kuchelau Krapfwaldl, 1925, Museum of Applied Culture, Vienna.
3. Ludwig Hohlwein -Starnberger See, c. 1930, Art Library, Berlin.
4. Kuck - Au-deja-de-Bremen, 1930s, Art Library, Berlin.
8 comments:
love the list of books you are giving us t read...love it
Bali Vlllas, I hope you get to enjoy some of these out-of-the-way books this summer. "Afloat" is Maupassant's journal of a yacht trip on his boat - the Bel-Ami, of course! - along the coast of the French Riviera, complete with vignettes worthy of a Maupassant short story.
I am familiar with graphic art of the 1930s, but even so, your magazine images are sleek and strong. I created a link with my travel posters straight away, many thanks
Hels
http://melbourneblogger.blogspot.com/2010/07/travel-posters-harwich-to-hook-1930s.html
Interesting post! I followed oyu here from a link on Hel's blog. What do you mean by 'subversive'?
Hels, although I couldn't date it exactly, I think the Scribner's cover is c.1905-1910, based on other covers of theirs that I've seen.
Emm, what I meant by 'subversive' was the newness of practical beachwear that allowed greater freedom of movement. Of course, it also was more revealing and, in the case of the pant suit, gender-bending. We sometimes forget how lucky we are that we can take these things for granted.
Oh! I get it now. And you are so right about taking it for granted - that complacency was obviously the source of my confusion!
Interesting post indeed. I am so impressed on the list of books that you post. They look so interesting to read. Thank you for sharing that list.
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