This antique photo postcard captures a lively beach scene from the early 20th century. The title, “Scène de bains”, translates to “Bathing Scene” in English. The image showcases a seaside location where people are wading and bathing in the water, wearing modest period-appropriate swimwear. Two women in the foreground stand in the shallow waves, dressed in early 1900s bathing suits, which feature knee-length designs with decorative trim. One of the women has her hair styled in an updo, while the other wears a bathing cap. Their expressions are calm as they look toward the camera. Behind them, a row of bathing machines, or small wooden huts on wheels, line the shore. These mobile changing rooms, common in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, were used for privacy when entering the water. Several people are seen sitting in the doorways of these huts, while others are stepping out into the sea. Further in the background, many beachgoers are seen enjoying the water, with a long pier or breakwater extending into the distance, possibly indicating a well-frequented beach resort. The reverse side of the postcard features handwritten cursive writing, addressed to “M. Henri Beughem” at Antwerp, Belgium. The message, written diagonally across the left side, appears to be a signature or brief note. A Belgian postage stamp, valued at 1 cent, is affixed in the upper right corner. The postmark is dated 1912, confirming that this postcard was mailed over a century ago. Printing on the reverse reveals that the postcard was published by A. S. in Forest-Brussels, Belgium.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
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