This is an old commercial print, cheap and cute – slightly naughty too! When spring turns to summer heat, who doesn’t imagine cooling off, preferably in a fancy fountain with someone sexy? Is the artwork an allegory, despite the chap’s modern hair cut and everyday towel?
When I see today’s sarees, ultra sheer and occasionally wet, like trite Bollywood rain scenes, this is what I think about. Here the plain red border on the fashionably timeless, faintly dotted, saree is strategically draped. Our 1930s-esque (?) temptress is about to splash the dreamy-eyed man who modestly gazes just away from her.
Oh my! Naughty indeed!
Talk about “French postcards,” I guess I now have to create a whole new category in my mind: “Hindustani postcards.”
I adore the mischevious look on her face, the sly look in her eyes, her Clara Bow lips holding back an impish laugh and smile.
And how times have changed! Back in the day, this image would’ve been considered lascivious, indecent even. Today it’s considered a charming hearkening to a more “innocent” time, perhaps even quaint.
Saucy!