She worked in the late 1930s and 1940s producing calendars, including “Liberty Belles”, “Girls of Glamour”, and “Glamour Round the Clock”. Her tendency to work in watercolor and gouache meant that she did not produce a large number of paintings. The term “pin up” comes from the tradition of pinning up these images on walls, lockers, and barracks.
She is the picture of the American dream, with her bright red lips, hourglass figure, and wavy hair. Although these images have been typically consumed by men, they were painted by several important women. These women were trailblazers in a male-centric world, using their art as a way to promote realism in depictions of the female body.
Age of People
Making works based on the classic pin-up look to create their own standards of beauty. In Jim Linderman’s self-published book, Secret History of the Black Pin Up,36 he describes the lives and experiences of African-American pin-up models. Information and images for this timeline came courtesy of Taschen’s “The Art of Pin-up.” Check out our earlier coverage of the book here. She studied in New Orleans, Philadelphia, New York, and at the Chicago Art Institute.
These images were promoted as helping boot the men’s morale and to give them something to fight for. Photoshoots often contained the models performing tasks, posing in bathing suits, or lounging. These women shaped what it meant to be a pin up and influenced everything from fashion to art. At the center of this golden era stood Gil Elvgren, an artist whose playful, exaggerated depictions of women turned everyday scenes into irresistible works of art. In Europe, prior to the First World War, the likes of “Miss Fernande” (who some identify as Fernande Barrey67) were arguably the world’s first pin-ups in the modern sense. Miss Fernande displayed ample cleavage and full frontal nudity, and her pictures were cherished by soldiers on both sides of the First World War conflict.
- The term “pin up” comes from the tradition of pinning up these images on walls, lockers, and barracks.
- As a makeup style, the classic pin-up underwent a revival in modern fashion.
- Victory rolls was a popular way of pinning rolls of hair that was popularized by the Old Hollywood star Lana Turner.
- Talmadge’s elegant style and graceful demeanor translated into her image as a pin-up model, representing the sophistication and glamour of the era.
- She represented the “New Woman”—independent, fashionable, and symbolic of changing attitudes toward gender and sexuality.
In 1953, Playboy Magazine was launched, transforming the vision of the pin-up girl into an all-American fantasy. The pin-up girl and the Playboy Bunny were celebrations of feminine beauty and allure during a socially repressed society that demanded conformity and modesty. Josephine Baker’s legacy as a pioneering African American entertainer and pin-up model remains unparalleled, celebrated for her contributions to the arts and her unwavering spirit.
This post was all about the golden age of pinups, pin up girl history and style
- Despite her brief career, Jean Harlow’s impact as a style icon and pin-up model left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of actresses and fashion enthusiasts alike.
- Wray’s elegant appearance and on-screen grace translated into her image as a pin-up model, representing the sophistication and allure of the time.
- Gilda Gray was a renowned dancer and actress known for popularizing the “shimmy” dance in the 1920s.
- Greta Garbo’s mysterious allure and captivating performances made her one of the most celebrated actresses of the 1920s.
Haver’s fashionable image and confident presence translated into her role as a pin-up model, embodying the allure and glamour of the era. Her style choices often featured the latest trends, inspiring women to embrace the elegance of the 1920s. These figures not only shaped the fashion and beauty standards of their time but also left an indelible mark on popular culture.
At Pinup Portrait, we create high-resolution, digitally illustrated pin up girl art—perfect as gifts, wall decor, or personal confidence boosters. You don’t need a photo shoot or costume; just send your favorite image, and we’ll handle the retro magic. From fashion to photography, the pin up aesthetic is alive and thriving with a modern twist. Gilda Gray was a renowned dancer and actress known for popularizing the “shimmy” dance in the 1920s.
A new generation of models and celebrities has embraced the pin-up aesthetic, carrying on the legacies of underappreciated female artists who helped redefine femininity. Kane’s fashionable image and lively spirit translated into her role as a pin-up model, embodying the carefree and playful nature of the era. Her style choices often included flapper-inspired dresses, inspiring women to embrace the fun and freedom of the 1920s. Negri’s sophisticated fashion sense and glamorous image translated into her role as a pin-up model, influencing trends with her distinctive style. Her presence in Hollywood films and global appeal made her a versatile icon. The Pin Up Girl is an iconic figure in art, photography, and culture, representing a confident, stylish woman often posed in playful or glamorous settings.
Unfortunately, many original pin-ups, especially those painted by women, ended up in the trash or neglected and damaged in attics. The art form was not displayed in galleries, but used in advertisements and personal collections. Recently, a revival of pinup fashion and makeup has surfaced on social media.
One of the most famous examples was Betty Grable, whose iconic swimsuit poster became a fixture in G.I. With a free ArtRKL® membership, you will receive the first look at published articles, the newest updates on what we’re up to, and NFT drops. The 1913 Armory Show brought Cubism, Fauvism, and radical European art to the United States, shocking audiences and changing American art forever. From ancient sculpture to modern installations, fabric has shaped the history of visual art. Zoë Mozert was born Alice Moser in Colorado Springs to a painter and a wood sculptor.
After beginning her own career as an artist, she realized she had to have a precocious personality to succeed. She was only 5 feet tall and remarked that she often felt infantilized in her career, especially by her male counterparts. Her family was so supportive of her career that they, too, adopted her new surname. Ballantyne resented the fact that her most famous piece was the Coppertone ad, stating, “Big deal, it’s only baby art. Like Pearl Frush, Joyce Ballantyne also created an iconic logo that is still circulated today. In 1959, Ballantyne designed the Coppertone sunscreen ad, which portrays a little girl whose bathing suit is being pulled down by a dog.
Despite the changing entertainment landscape, Gilda Gray’s legacy as a pioneering dancer and pin-up model endures, celebrated for her contributions to dance and her influence on fashion and culture. The legacy of the Ziegfeld Girls endures, celebrated for their impact on entertainment and fashion. They remain a symbol of the glitz and glamour of the roaring twenties, inspiring future generations of performers.
Clara Bow, known as the “It Girl,” was the ultimate symbol of the 1920s flapper. Her vivacious personality and captivating beauty made her an icon of the silent film era. She starred in numerous movies, captivating audiences with her expressive acting and distinctive style. Hollywood actresses, dancers and models would be the chosen as the pinup girls in each issue of the magazine. Much of the style of pin-up photoshoots and art comes from early burlesque performers such as Josephine Baker.
These actresses earned the reputation of being sex symbols, and the posters of celebrities like Betty Grable were widespread in the lockers of G.I.s during World War II. In the mid-20th century, this cultural icon emerged, capturing the spirit of an American era with her sultry gaze, crimson lips, and an allure that transcended time. The pin-up girl became more than just an image—she became a symbol of desire, freedom, and the spirit of American culture. With its intoxicating blend of innocence and eroticism, pin-up art adorned calendars, advertisements, and the hearts of a nation.
Now, anyone can channel this iconic style—regardless of gender or body type. Whether you want to embrace vintage beauty or celebrate modern empowerment, a custom pin up portrait is the perfect way to capture that spirit. Despite the decline of silent films, Clara Kimball Young’s legacy as a pioneering actress and pin-up model endures, celebrated for her impact on early Hollywood and her timeless appeal. Clara Kimball Young was a notable actress of the silent film era, known for her beauty and emotive performances. Her career in the 1920s established her as one of the prominent figures in Hollywood. Despite the transition to sound films, Gloria Swanson’s legacy as a pioneering actress and pin-up model remains influential, celebrated for her contributions to the golden age of Hollywood.
The 1920s was a transformative decade that ushered in a new era of glamour and allure, reflected vividly in the rise of pin-up models. She might be even more well-known for her famous hair-do, which inspired so many copycats that the government had to have her change it because of safety concerns for women working in the factories. Margie Stewart was referred to as the “military’s official pinup” and promoted war bonds.
Josephine Baker was a trailblazer who revolutionized the entertainment industry with her mesmerizing dance performances and unique style. As a prominent figure in the 1920s, Baker captivated audiences worldwide with her charm and talent. However, there were other famous pinup girls that didn’t sport the hourglass figure like Rita Hayworth or Lauren Bacall. Film stars who captured the public’s imagination were not only photographed but often transformed into posters or paintings for personal keepsakes. Despite the challenges she faced, Evelyn Nesbit’s legacy as a pioneering model and cultural icon endures, celebrated for her contributions to fashion and her lasting impact on popular culture. West’s fashion sense and on-screen confidence made her a celebrated pin-up model, admired for embracing her sensuality and individuality.
Louise Brooks was known for her distinct look, particularly her sleek bob haircut, which became a defining feature of the 1920s style. Her sophisticated image and talent as a dancer and actress quickly elevated her to stardom. Before Marilyn Monroe, the pinup girls of the 1940s were Betty Grable, Bettie Page, Rita https://pin-up-site.in/en-in/ Hayworth, Lauren Bacall, and more. Pinup girl is a term that refers to a girl who’s image was so popular in print (this was before the digital age) that their image would be “pinned up” everywhere.
🎨 Why She’s TimelessThe Pin Up Girl blends classic beauty with personality, making her style adaptable to modern fashion, photography, and digital art. Despite the transition to sound films, Phyllis Haver’s legacy as a pioneering actress and pin-up model endures, celebrated for her contributions to Hollywood and her timeless appeal. Pickford’s image as a pin-up model reflected her wholesome and endearing persona, capturing the hearts of many.
