Pin-ups Have Always Been Political
When we think about vintage pin-ups, we tend to picture perfectly coiffed hair, red lipstick, fabulous curves, and just the right amount of mischief. We remember the glamour, the playful poses, and the beautiful illustrations that made these women unforgettable. What we don't always think about is the world happening around them. But the history of pin-up art is about much more than pretty pictures. Throughout the twentieth century, pin-ups reflected changing attitudes toward women, sexuality, patriotism, race, fashion, and personal freedom. Sometimes they challenged society's expectations, sometimes they reinforced them, and occasionally they managed to do a little of both.