Beginning in the early 19th century, pin-up models had theatrical origins. Burlesque performers and actresses sometimes used photographic advertisement as business cards to advertise shows. These promotion and business cards could often be found backstage in almost every theater’s green room, pinned-up or stuck into frames of the looking-glasses, and in the joints of the gas-burners.

 

One must understand that during this era views on women performing on stage were inextricably tied to their sexuality, which in turn was tied to their level of visibility in the public sphere. Regardless of race, class or background, it was generally assumed that the more public the woman, the more ‘public,’ or available, her sexuality. Being sexually fantasized, famous actresses in early 20th century film were both drawn, photographed, and put on posters to be sold for personal entertainment. Among the celebrities who were considered sex symbols, one of the most popular early pin-up girls was Betty Grable, whose poster was ubiquitous in the lockers of G.I.s during World War II.

 

In Europe, prior to the First World War, the likes of “Miss Fernande”, who some identify as Fernande Barrey, 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.