Rina Fosati
@pierinafosati.bsky.social
I mostly post things I find interesting from the first half of the 20th Century. Click on the image to display the meandering content I call alt text.
Reposted by Rina Fosati
at times I wonder if I'm close to home
November 4, 2025 at 12:02 PM
at times I wonder if I'm close to home
Reposted by Rina Fosati
Classical English literature is often dunking on older males, fathers and uncles, writing "useless memoirs" or pious boring tomes about all the things they believe should be right. But look, it's so much better than nothing! I wish my father had written a boring book before dying. I'd read it.
October 29, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Classical English literature is often dunking on older males, fathers and uncles, writing "useless memoirs" or pious boring tomes about all the things they believe should be right. But look, it's so much better than nothing! I wish my father had written a boring book before dying. I'd read it.
I've been working on a huge research & editing project that is likely to take the better part of 2025 to finish. There's no time for posting pics these days. I'll be back when I'm on the other side of this commitment. Till then, stay fresh.
October 25, 2024 at 9:21 PM
I've been working on a huge research & editing project that is likely to take the better part of 2025 to finish. There's no time for posting pics these days. I'll be back when I'm on the other side of this commitment. Till then, stay fresh.
The Eden Corn Festival was held this past weekend. Besides food, it featured many rural entertainments, including corn husking, corn hole & horseshoe competitions. My grandpa had a horseshoe court on his lawn. I tried it once as a child. Throwing a horseshoe 40 feet accurately was pretty hard.
August 8, 2024 at 4:54 PM
The Eden Corn Festival was held this past weekend. Besides food, it featured many rural entertainments, including corn husking, corn hole & horseshoe competitions. My grandpa had a horseshoe court on his lawn. I tried it once as a child. Throwing a horseshoe 40 feet accurately was pretty hard.
“The North Wind goes over the sea,” illustration for “East of the Sun and West of the Moon: old tales from the North,” 1914 by Kay Nielsen (Danish, 1886–1957)
I see so many precursors to contemporary anime in this striking illustration.
I see so many precursors to contemporary anime in this striking illustration.
August 7, 2024 at 2:49 PM
“The North Wind goes over the sea,” illustration for “East of the Sun and West of the Moon: old tales from the North,” 1914 by Kay Nielsen (Danish, 1886–1957)
I see so many precursors to contemporary anime in this striking illustration.
I see so many precursors to contemporary anime in this striking illustration.
“Covered bridge. Northfield Falls, Vermont,” September 1937. Photo by Arthur Rothstein (American, 1915–1985.)
Railroad crossing
Look out for the cars
How do you spell it
Without any Rs?
Railroad crossing
Look out for the cars
How do you spell it
Without any Rs?
August 6, 2024 at 2:34 PM
“Covered bridge. Northfield Falls, Vermont,” September 1937. Photo by Arthur Rothstein (American, 1915–1985.)
Railroad crossing
Look out for the cars
How do you spell it
Without any Rs?
Railroad crossing
Look out for the cars
How do you spell it
Without any Rs?
Been feeling spicy lately.
August 5, 2024 at 1:44 PM
Been feeling spicy lately.
The discourse regarding whether hair dyes are carcinogenic or not, is akin to the path of ciggies & pesticides. Scientists have known about the elevated risks for decades (esp for Black women.) But for 100+ years it’s been 🎵 wash away the grey 🎵
Stop encouraging women to use this shit.
Stop encouraging women to use this shit.
August 5, 2024 at 1:39 PM
The discourse regarding whether hair dyes are carcinogenic or not, is akin to the path of ciggies & pesticides. Scientists have known about the elevated risks for decades (esp for Black women.) But for 100+ years it’s been 🎵 wash away the grey 🎵
Stop encouraging women to use this shit.
Stop encouraging women to use this shit.
I had occasion to ride thru the Cattaraugus Indian Territory recently. Dear Reader, those small independent trading posts that were once scattered throughout the reservation have grown; now they rival Walmart plazas in size. Not surprising. Perhaps even fitting, I suppose.
![This is a black & white photograph of a roadside establishment, which touts its “Honest Weights, Square Dealings.” An assortment of fruits, melons & plants are displayed in-and-around an open-air market. Signs posted on the building highlight the variety of fresh fish for sale. A large sign posted above the entrance advertises the services of “F.M. Pointer – The Old Reliable House Mover.”
“Roadside Stand Near Birmingham” 1936 by Walker Evans (American, 1903–1975)
“[Walker Evans’] photographs of roadside architecture, rural churches, small-town barbers, & cemeteries reveal a deep respect for the neglected traditions of the common man and secured his reputation as America’s preeminent documentarian. From their first appearance in magazines & books in the late 1930s, these direct, iconic images entered the public’s collective consciousness & are now deeply embedded in the nation’s shared visual history of the Depression.” – Dept of Photographs, The Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rgv5l75n73ojop5bsqohorrh/bafkreie72ejuhqadksosipbzoegkpopjgq7zn7zjjwxl4nmfq7ygrhhfzu@jpeg)
August 4, 2024 at 2:44 PM
I had occasion to ride thru the Cattaraugus Indian Territory recently. Dear Reader, those small independent trading posts that were once scattered throughout the reservation have grown; now they rival Walmart plazas in size. Not surprising. Perhaps even fitting, I suppose.
Seeing these Gordon’s Gin ads reminded me of the refreshingly sour summer drink called a Gin Rickey. My first taste was virgin – made with fresh lime, ice & seltzer (no gin, bourbon or rye). I like to add a squirt of unsweetened raspberry syrup.
August 3, 2024 at 2:03 PM
Seeing these Gordon’s Gin ads reminded me of the refreshingly sour summer drink called a Gin Rickey. My first taste was virgin – made with fresh lime, ice & seltzer (no gin, bourbon or rye). I like to add a squirt of unsweetened raspberry syrup.
"Puppy love is evident as Christina Goldsmith, 2½, kisses a young acquaintance. The Weimaraner makes a good household pet and an excellent watchdog." - LIFE magazine, June 12, 1950. Photo by Bernard Hoffman (American, 1913–1979)
August 2, 2024 at 2:30 PM
"Puppy love is evident as Christina Goldsmith, 2½, kisses a young acquaintance. The Weimaraner makes a good household pet and an excellent watchdog." - LIFE magazine, June 12, 1950. Photo by Bernard Hoffman (American, 1913–1979)
Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, August 11, 1917 by Neysa McMein (American, 1888–1949)
August 1, 2024 at 2:26 PM
Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, August 11, 1917 by Neysa McMein (American, 1888–1949)
With the advent of lifestyle branding after WW2, advertisers increasingly associated products with a particular way of life. A middle-class lifestyle of ease & convenience was accessible to all consumers — you just needed to buy the right stuff.
July 31, 2024 at 1:43 PM
With the advent of lifestyle branding after WW2, advertisers increasingly associated products with a particular way of life. A middle-class lifestyle of ease & convenience was accessible to all consumers — you just needed to buy the right stuff.
It’s like night and day.
July 30, 2024 at 2:32 PM
It’s like night and day.
Untitled photograph from the series “Paris, 1956-1958” by Johan van der Keuken (Dutch, 1938–2001)
July 29, 2024 at 2:42 PM
Untitled photograph from the series “Paris, 1956-1958” by Johan van der Keuken (Dutch, 1938–2001)
SIDEBAR:
While I’m not particularly interested in the fragrances they held, I am fascinated by the exquisite juxtaposition of curve vs cut & solidity vs fragility that glassmakers have explored in their designs for perfume bottles.
While I’m not particularly interested in the fragrances they held, I am fascinated by the exquisite juxtaposition of curve vs cut & solidity vs fragility that glassmakers have explored in their designs for perfume bottles.
July 28, 2024 at 3:01 PM
SIDEBAR:
While I’m not particularly interested in the fragrances they held, I am fascinated by the exquisite juxtaposition of curve vs cut & solidity vs fragility that glassmakers have explored in their designs for perfume bottles.
While I’m not particularly interested in the fragrances they held, I am fascinated by the exquisite juxtaposition of curve vs cut & solidity vs fragility that glassmakers have explored in their designs for perfume bottles.
Soir de Paris (Evening in Paris) by Bourjois was a popular, inexpensive perfume, sold in most department stores from the 1930s thru the late 1960s. Its charming advertisements were carefully crafted to embody the romanticism of mid-century Paris.
July 28, 2024 at 2:59 PM
Soir de Paris (Evening in Paris) by Bourjois was a popular, inexpensive perfume, sold in most department stores from the 1930s thru the late 1960s. Its charming advertisements were carefully crafted to embody the romanticism of mid-century Paris.
Fav Paris story:
Robert Doisneau revealed that he had seen these lovers kissing, but had not photographed them initially because of his natural reserve. "I would never have dared to photograph people like that. Lovers kissing in the street. Those couples are rarely legitimate."
Robert Doisneau revealed that he had seen these lovers kissing, but had not photographed them initially because of his natural reserve. "I would never have dared to photograph people like that. Lovers kissing in the street. Those couples are rarely legitimate."
July 28, 2024 at 2:31 PM
Fav Paris story:
Robert Doisneau revealed that he had seen these lovers kissing, but had not photographed them initially because of his natural reserve. "I would never have dared to photograph people like that. Lovers kissing in the street. Those couples are rarely legitimate."
Robert Doisneau revealed that he had seen these lovers kissing, but had not photographed them initially because of his natural reserve. "I would never have dared to photograph people like that. Lovers kissing in the street. Those couples are rarely legitimate."
“Les Tour Eiffel dans les boules neigeuses” (Eiffel Towers in Snow Globes) 1949 by Robert Doisneau (French, 1912–1994)
![“A pioneering photojournalist, Robert Doisneau is known for documenting life in Paris with affection and humor. A series of books based on his images—The Suburbs of Paris, The Children of Paris, and The Magic of Paris, among others—appeared during the early postwar era. In the context of his lengthy project, Doisneau photographed the Eiffel Tower from a myriad of angles. … [H]e often framed the landmark within a humanistic context. Here, he employed an avant–garde perspective but recast the tower as kitsch, portraying an endless production line of trinkets for the Parisian tourist industry.” – Art Institute of Chicago](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rgv5l75n73ojop5bsqohorrh/bafkreigcuhraok5zfpsuvpsbechacsev2wuj4hcb5sl5t6new47hajb7oy@jpeg)
July 27, 2024 at 2:19 PM
“Les Tour Eiffel dans les boules neigeuses” (Eiffel Towers in Snow Globes) 1949 by Robert Doisneau (French, 1912–1994)
In the 1920s & 30s, artists viewed the Eiffel Tower as a symbol of modernity. They created works that focused on the abstract forms afforded by its architectural design and novel perspectives related to its location.
July 27, 2024 at 2:09 PM
In the 1920s & 30s, artists viewed the Eiffel Tower as a symbol of modernity. They created works that focused on the abstract forms afforded by its architectural design and novel perspectives related to its location.
“PARIS, Fly TWA Jets,” 1960 travel poster for Trans World Airlines promoting their flights to Paris by David Klein (American, 1918–2005)
![“This poster was created in 1960 for Howard Hughes’ Trans World Airlines promoting their routes to [and from] Los Angeles, California. Illustrated by influential American artist David Klein, this design features a wonderful image of the Eiffel Tower at nighttime in front of a firework spectacular, with the TWA plane flying overhead.
Hughes and TWA collaborated with Klein on many posters during the height of the golden-era of aviation from the 50’s through to the 70’s. These posters have become synonymous with that golden, mid-Century era of design.” – 1stdibs.com](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rgv5l75n73ojop5bsqohorrh/bafkreiaz6z2zhiftkxwb6hkaq67qhhb5mtoltqzbchyaafqzdqzcdi2jum@jpeg)
July 27, 2024 at 1:42 PM
“PARIS, Fly TWA Jets,” 1960 travel poster for Trans World Airlines promoting their flights to Paris by David Klein (American, 1918–2005)
"Nantucket sunbathing. Also Fishing, Lounging, Teenagers." August 1957. Photograph by Toni Frissell (American, 1907–1988) for the “Sports Illustrated” assignment "Nantucket Essay."
July 26, 2024 at 3:50 PM
"Nantucket sunbathing. Also Fishing, Lounging, Teenagers." August 1957. Photograph by Toni Frissell (American, 1907–1988) for the “Sports Illustrated” assignment "Nantucket Essay."
“First Day at the Beach,” cover for “The Saturday Evening Post,” August 11, 1956 by George Hughes (American, 1907–1990)
July 26, 2024 at 3:07 PM
“First Day at the Beach,” cover for “The Saturday Evening Post,” August 11, 1956 by George Hughes (American, 1907–1990)
50 Years Ago
Released on this day in 1974, The Rolling Stones “It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)"
If I could dig down deep in my heart
Feelings would flood on the page
Would it satisfy you? Would it slide on by you?
Would you think the boy's insane?
Released on this day in 1974, The Rolling Stones “It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)"
If I could dig down deep in my heart
Feelings would flood on the page
Would it satisfy you? Would it slide on by you?
Would you think the boy's insane?
The Rolling Stones - It's Only Rock 'N' Roll (But I Like It) - OFFICIAL PROMO
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July 26, 2024 at 2:54 PM
50 Years Ago
Released on this day in 1974, The Rolling Stones “It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)"
If I could dig down deep in my heart
Feelings would flood on the page
Would it satisfy you? Would it slide on by you?
Would you think the boy's insane?
Released on this day in 1974, The Rolling Stones “It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)"
If I could dig down deep in my heart
Feelings would flood on the page
Would it satisfy you? Would it slide on by you?
Would you think the boy's insane?
Jantzen was the official suit worn by performers at the Cypress Gardens, a premiere tourist attraction in Central Florida in the 1950s. In this pic from 1953, Esther Williams rehearses a water skiing stunt (choreographed by Busby Berkeley) for the film “Easy to Love.”
July 25, 2024 at 2:09 PM
Jantzen was the official suit worn by performers at the Cypress Gardens, a premiere tourist attraction in Central Florida in the 1950s. In this pic from 1953, Esther Williams rehearses a water skiing stunt (choreographed by Busby Berkeley) for the film “Easy to Love.”