Bathing Beauties

Whether saturating in beachside sunlight or just lounging between the smokestacks, these ladies know how to make the most of the summer and look darn good while doing it.

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Woman at the Shore – Bradshaw Crandall
With floppy sunhat providing shade and shield from harsh rays, this head-turner is free to luxuriate in the beachside aurora of a salty summer’s day.
Bradshaw Crandall August 20, 1927
Bradshaw Crandall
August 20, 1927


Sunburned Sunbather – Penrhyn Stanlaws
No amount of lathering is going to ease a smolder that red. Though this burned beachgoer can take comfort in the fact that her dual-toned skin and swimsuit form a rather patriotic guise.
Penrhyn Stanlaws July 6, 1929
Penrhyn Stanlaws
July 6, 1929


Sunbathers – John LaGatta
Stretched out under the lacy shelter of a parasol, these ladies are prepared to transform the lawn into a first-class pinup photo shoot.
John LaGatta July 5, 1930
John LaGatta
July 5, 1930


Three Bathing Beauties – John LaGatta
Garbed in their complementary aquamarine getups, this trio may just fade into the luster of the ocean blue once they’ve hit the dunes.
John LaGatta July 8, 1933
John LaGatta
July 8, 1933


Sitting on the Diving Board – Penrhyn Stanlaws
For those seaside loungers wishing to hold court over the shimmering surface without dampening their locks, perching on a diving board is a suitable compromise.
Penrhyn Stanlaws August 19, 1933
Penrhyn Stanlaws
August 19, 1933


Woman in Beach Outfit – Charles A. MacLellan
Sporting sandals is just an invitation to trek sand about for weeks afterward. But it’s well worth it when the elegantly casual ensemble will draw every eye on the shore.
Charles A. MacLellan August 11, 1934
Charles A. MacLellan
August 11, 1934


Ski Boarding Couple – Robert C. Kauffmann
It’s surf’s up or more appropriately skis up for this golden couple as they crest another foamy wave. And if they should happen to capsize, that striking crimson of hers will make them easily spotted for pickup.
Robert C. Kauffmann June 27, 1936
Robert C. Kauffmann
June 27, 1936


At the Pool – John LaGatta
Whether perfecting a competitive breaststroke or just dipping toes in the drink, poolside is the place to be in summer’s steamiest weeks.
John LaGatta August 28, 1937
John LaGatta
August 28, 1937


Broken Beach Chair – John Hyde Phillips
A smarting smack to the rear wasn’t exactly on this perturbed stunner’s checklist for beach day. At least she had a sandy landing to cushion the spill.
John Hyde Phillips August 12, 1939
John Hyde Phillips
August 12, 1939


Up on the Roof – Dominice Cammerota
Everyone pines for a tropical escape; but in a pinch, an urban rooftop destination will do, and it’s just as toasty. If you can’t reach the beaches, you can always climb a little closer to the sun.
Dominice Cammerota August 3, 1940
Dominice Cammerota
August 3, 1940


Tan Lines – Albert W. Hampson
X marks the spot for tan-line regret as this socialite discovers her sun-cooked body art isn’t going to pair well with the plunging backline of that pearly frock.
Albert W. Hampson September 27, 1941
Albert W. Hampson
September 27, 1941


Card Game at the Beach – Alex Ross
When the hours have worn everyone down, a few bubbly sips and a cool-off card game under the umbrella may be just the right pick-me-up before a final splashdown.
Alex Ross August 28, 1943
Alex Ross
August 28, 1943

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Comments

  1. Another great themed-cover art feature with observing comments here, Zach.

    John LaGatta’s ‘Sunbathers’ is incredible. I love the simplicity of the cover, his use of color and outlining the picture in a way that almost gives it a 3-D look.

    His ‘Three Bathing Beauties’ is great too, actually looking like it was done by an entirely different artist.

    ‘Ski Boarding Couple’ is beautiful also, looking almost like a unique fusion of art and photography at the same time.

    ‘Up On the Roof’ is fascinating and beautiful as well from the woman herself, the colors, shading and angle clearly showing it IS a building’s rooftop, to the fact she may have brought too much reading material with her…

    ‘Card Game at the Beach’ is cool too. I like the illustrations of Alex
    Ross, but didn’t realize he’d done a POST cover before. Love the rest too, especially ‘Tan Lines’ and ‘Sunburned Sunbather’. Ouch!

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