Chemin de Fer de l'Ouest, Sur La Plage

With the expansion of the railroads, the tourism industry grew exponentially in the late nineteenth century. French railroad companies, particularly the Chemins de Fer de l’Ouest, promoted here, were at the forefront of developing fans that served as advertisements for travelers. As handheld accessories that were useful on the journey, they also provided practical information about train lines and tickets. For this fan leaf publicizing special excursion rates to the seaside, the graphic artist Steinlen showed two elegant women seated at the shoreline, watching a child playing in the sand. The curve of the white dress worn by one of the women forms the void of the fan’s lower arch.